Celebrate the harvest and honour all of our relations with an immersive sonic tour and live concerts under the stars
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), Niagara Folk Arts Festival, and Kakekalanicks Consulting have partnered once again to host the Reawakening event series at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, now in its third year.
Set within the beautiful landscape of the Niagara Escarpment and Carolinian forest, the Reawakening event series returns with ‘Sounds from the Forest’ on Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 6. This unique 90-minute sonic tour invites guests to celebrate the harvest and honour all our relations as they walk into Niagara’s treasured Carolinian Forest at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area.
Beginning at the serene entrance of the Forest Frolic Trail, participants will start with a traditional Welcome Circle, setting the tone for an enriching experience of the curated Indigenous sonic tour. As guests walk along the ancient trails of the Twenty Mile Creek, they will hear the sounds of the land, interwoven with interactive teachings by Nokomis Cindilee, offering insights into the natural world, the deep history of the lands, and the wisdom passed down through generations. Each step will provide an opportunity to reflect on Indigenous histories, the legacy of future seven generations, and our shared responsibilities to the natural world.
On Saturday, September 21, guests will enjoy live music under the stars after the trail walk, featuring powerful live performances that blend music and storytelling. The soulful, genre-blending band TRIBZ will perform, led by Juno Award-winning musician Errol Starr, who will share messages of love, hope, and empowerment through their eclectic sound.
This specially programmed event series will immerse participants in Indigenous cultural programming, allowing them to reconnect with nature and the shared histories that bind us.
Guests of all ages are invited to attend these events. There is limited capacity and advanced registration is required. Admission starts at $25. In case of inclement weather, the events will be held on September 22, 2024.
The first Reawakening event was held in September 2022, titled ‘Reawakening All of Our Relations.’ It featured a three-day weekend filled with a variety of activities and programs such as Cultural Roots of Lacrosse. More than 100 participants joined over the course of the program to reflect on Indigenous histories, knowledge and futures in the Niagara Peninsula Watershed.
Through partnership, the Reawakening event series will be offered annually, with a new secondary title each year that highlights the nature of the programming.
All proceeds from the Reawakening event will support Indigenous-led initiatives and programming in the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
QUOTES
“Reawakening All Our Relations is about reconnecting with the land, each other, and the teachings of our ancestors. It’s a reminder to honour our responsibilities to the natural world and our communities. This event will reawaken all senses, allowing attendees to reconnect with the Indigenous community and the natural world, while reflecting on our shared responsibilities to one another and the environment as we move toward reconciliation and a sustainable future.”
- Michele-Elise Burnett, Kakekalenicks Indigenous Consulting
“This event aims to create moments for community dialogue, self-education, and self-reflection. We hope to foster greater understanding and respect for Niagara’s Indigenous histories and cultures while inspiring a collective vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
- Pam Seabrook, Fundraising and Events Manager, Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre
“This weekend of Indigenous-led programming offers an incredible opportunity to reconnect with the land and each other. We are honoured to partner with Niagara Folk Arts Festival and Kakekalanicks Consulting for this meaningful event.”
- Dr. Alicia Powell, Manager of Conservation Area Services, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
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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, 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.
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.
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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:
Sofia Zavarella
Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)
3350 Merrittville Highway, Unit 9, Thorold, Ontario L2V 4Y6
905-933-3700
szavarella@npca.ca
www.npca.ca