Stage Door News
Stage Door News
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and Kakekalanicks Indigenous Arts & Consultancy present Celebration of Nations, a gathering of Indigenous arts, culture, and tradition in downtown St. Catharines from 7–9 September 2018. All events will take place in downtown St. Catharines, within the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s four venues, The Mann Raceway Plaza (the PAC’s outdoor gathering space commonly referred to as “the Backyard”) and at Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.
Celebration of Nations is part of a long-term vision of Kakekalanicks, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, and the City of St. Catharines to build on the Two Row Wampum teaching that promotes all Nations walking together, in parallel, with respect, compassion, and understanding to cultivate an inclusive community for our shared future.
Guided by that philosophy, Artistic Director Michele-Elise Burnett (Algonquin/Métis) and Artistic Producer Tim Johnson (Mohawk) have curated a robust program with support from the Celebration of Nations Advisory Council and PAC programming staff.
The weekend will include free and ticketed events, as well as an affordable all-access weekend pass that gives access to every ticketed event and all workshops for just $30. Weekend passes are free for children under 13 years. *All events subject to capacity.*
“We’re thrilled to partner again with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre,” said Michele-Elise Burnett. "The theme of this year's Celebration of Nations is Healing Through the Arts. Amid the entertainment, informational presentations will focus on positive actions to address generational trauma caused by Residential Schools and The Sixties Scoop. We will also examine issues such as food security, respiratory disease among First Nations and Inuit children, and other concerns, all while inspired by the healing creativity and delightful humour of our artists."
Celebration of Nations will showcase a variety of Indigenous arts and artists, ranging from traditional and contemporary music, dance performances, sunrise ceremonies, film screenings, creative workshops, an outdoor artisan market, food vendors, the Moccasin Talks Speaker Series, and hands-on activities for both children and adults. Highlights include:
•Headlining performances from: American Roots/Blues powerhouse Martha Redbone; one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians, Howie Miller; a powerful dance performance from Santee Smith called The Mush Hole – and a spirited dance/electronic set from award-winning DJ and producer, Classic Roots.
•The Backyard (Mann Raceway Plaza + Lancaster, Brooks & Welch Pathway) - a free space behind the PAC that will feature a Métis Encampment, teachings, workshops, a sacred fire, artisans and Indigenous food and music all weekend long.
•A Free Interactive Workshop Series that includes opportunities to learn about and create dream catchers, two row wampum bracelets, Metis sashes and mini Algonquin-style birch bark canoes.
•The Film Series includes: Before the Streets, the debut from Chloe Leriche which is the first feature film shot in the Atikamekw varietal of the Algonquian language Cree; Birth of A Family explores four siblings and their shared experience after the sixties scoop, and a FREE Short Film Series will be presented by The Weengushk Film Institute.
Celebration of Nations is an opportunity for Niagara residents and visitors to actively participate in an inclusive and engaging community gathering that provides cultural and historical insights infused within entertainment and social activities that forge connections and strengthen the bonds of community.
For full schedule and ticket information visit the website: http://celebrationofnations.ca
2018-08-17
St. Catharines: The 2nd annual Celebration of Nations runs September 7 to 9