Celebration of Nations to returns to the PAC
Healing through the arts theme of 2018 Indigenous event
Downtown St. Catharines will for a second straight year, become the hub of activity surrounding Indigenous culture.
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and Kakekalanicks Indigenous Arts Consultancy will present Celebration of Nations, a gathering of Indigenous arts, culture, and tradition from Sept. 7 to 9. All events will take place within the PAC’s four venues, as well as the Mann Raceway Plaza (the PAC’s outdoor gathering space commonly referred to as “the Backyard”) as well as in spaces at Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.
“We’re thrilled to partner again with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre,” said artistic director 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."
Burnett, a Métis, is working with artistic producer Tim Johnson (Mohawk). Together they have curated the 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 registration to workshops for just $30. Weekend passes are free for children under 13 years.
Highlights include:
• Headlining performances from American Roots/Blues artist Martha Redbone, one of Canada’s top standup comedians, Howie Miller, a powerful dance performance from Santee Smith called the Mush Hole — that acknowledges the lives and spirits of Mohawk Institute residential school survivors 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, Métis 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 to 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.