The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Niagara Folk Arts Festival, and Kakekalanicks Consulting have partnered on a unique and specially programmed weekend to engage in learning and reflection, sport and guided walks in nature, presented by local Indigenous artists, storytellers and knowledge keepers.
This three-day event will take place from Friday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Sept. 25, at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. Set within the beautiful landscape of the Niagara Escarpment and Carolinian, guests can choose from several different program offerings over the weekend, that bring them closer to their roots, while reflecting on Indigenous histories, knowledges and futures in Niagara.
- Friday, Sept. 23: 360 Story Walk at Ball’s Falls, 6-8 p.m.
- A guided twilight Two-Row nature walk led dually by local Elder Dave Labbé and an outdoor educator, sharing knowledge of the natural world, history and ecology of the forest. The evening will open with a clean fire and smudging, and close in reflection at the fireside.
- Saturday, Sept. 24: Cultural Roots of Lacrosse and Values of Stick Making, 12-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.
- An interactive workshop by FUSE Lacrosse, to engage in meaningful dialogue and create a space of mutual understanding to learn the origins and Cultural Significance of Lacrosse and the Values of Stick Making, and play some game fundamentals.
- Saturday, Sept. 24: Indigenous Stories by the Fire, 6-8 p.m.
- Gather around a clean fire with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, artists and storytellers and be immersed in powerful messages and reflections of Turtle Island. Traditional dancers and artists share their art and messages with guests in the evening gathering within a starlit natural setting.
- Sunday, Sept. 25: 360 Story Walk and Ancestors’ Reflection, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- This incredible afternoon program begins around a clean fire, and takes guests on a guided walk along natural trails, stopping along the way to experience outdoor exhibits of great significance. Led by Indigenous Elder Dave Labbé, and knowledge keepers, guests will learn and reflect on Indigenous histories, futures and legacies. The evening closes by the fire with teachings and messages to lead into National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
There is limited capacity for each event and advanced registration is required to attend. Admission to a single event is $25, and full weekend programming is $60 (choice of up to three events selected at time of purchase).
All proceeds will support the Niagara Folk Arts Festival and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation. By supporting this event, you are contributing to Indigenous cultural programming across Niagara. Funding provided by the Government of Ontario.
Quotes
Dr. Alicia Powell, Manager, Conservation Area Services- NPCA
The NPCA is thrilled to be partnering with Niagara Folk Arts Festival and Michele-Elise Burnett of Kakekalenicks on this first-ever, Indigenous-led weekend of immersive, reflective and experiential programming. We are looking forward to welcoming attendees to the wonderous outdoors within the conservation area. This event has been in the works for a long time, and I am so proud and privileged to have been able to support the visions of Michele-Elise (Kakekalenicks) and Pam Seabrook (Niagara Folk Arts Festival). We truly believe this weekend will reawaken and reinvigorate folks to the histories and futures of these lands and waters, as we move along our path towards reconciliation.
Pam Seabrook, Fundraising and Events Manager, Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre
The Niagara Folk Arts Festival is very proud to be in partnership with Kakekalanicks Consulting and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, to bring our Reawakening All Our Relations to fruition this September. The inspiration for this first time weekend of events began decades ago, and coupled with the Truth and Reconciliation, Call to Action #93, this event aims to overcome the barriers of language, religion, and ethno-cultural backgrounds for Newcomers, Immigrants and Established Canadians, by using sport, art, spoken word, song, dance and drumming, creating an opportuning for community dialogues. What better setting than an open green field or along a nature trail or fireside, in a starlit forest, led by Indigenous presenters, to have a moment for self-education, self-expression and self-reflection.
Michele-Elise Burnett, President, Kakekalanicks
Reawakening all Our Relations is about going back to the original instructions from Creator - to remind us of our responsibilities to be grateful, respectful and honest with each other and all livings. visitors will awaken all their senses and reconnect with their older and wiser relatives from the natural world.
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About NPCA:
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With 61 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
For more information about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.
About Kakekalanicks:
Kakekalanicks’ mission is to promote Indigenous art and artists to broad-based audiences and acts to educate the public about the deep-rooted beauty and uniqueness of each Nation's culture, heritage and traditions through the medium of the arts.
About Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre & Niagara Folk Arts Festival:
The Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre is a charitable, not-for-profit organization, where we celebrate and promote cultural, social and economic inclusion and well-being of all immigrants and newcomers.
Under the umbrella of Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, the Niagara Folk Arts Festival is a non-profit organization using sport and art in all mediums to provide opportunities for discussions on diversity, artistic cultural expression, encouraging the retention of cultural heritage and traditions, the sharing of cultural activities with the community and to promote understanding and acceptance among the different cultures that make up the Canadian mosaic.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
905.788.3135 ext.262
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca