Reawakening returns to Ball’s Falls with an evening steeped in sounds, stories and wonder.
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) invites you to immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous history of the Niagara Peninsula watershed this fall with ‘Reawakening: Stories of the People from the Longhouse’ with master storyteller, Perry Ground. Now in its fourth year, Reawakening is presented with support by Niagara Folk Arts Festival (Bridges Niagara), Kakekalanicks Consulting, and CAA Niagara.
The evening will begin at the entrance of the Forest Frolic Trail with a traditional Welcome Circle. Guests will then be guided along the trails of Ball’s Falls Conservation Area featuring the sounds and songs from last year’s ‘Sounds of the Forest’. Guests will be immersed in the rich natural and cultural heritage of Niagara as they walk the trails of the treasured Carolinian Forest. The walk will include stops to take in the magnificence of the forest, learn more about the natural world, listen to the sounds of the land, and hear teachings by Elders and knowledge keepers along the way. Each step along the ancient trails gives insight into the natural world, the deep history of the lands, and the wisdom passed down through generations.
Following the guided walk, guests will gather around the fire to hear Stories from the People of the Longhouse as told by master storyteller, Perry Ground. A member of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, Perry has been a storyteller and educator for over 25 years, who enjoys working with people of all ages and teaching about the history and culture of Native Peoples.
With vivid descriptions, engaging narratives, and a dynamic stage presence, Perry weaves together history, humor, and audience participation to share centuries-old teachings. Through these legends, listeners will gain a greater understanding of Haudenosaunee customs, beliefs, and ways of knowing. Each moment will offer an opportunity to reflect on Indigenous histories, consider the future and next seven generations, and the legacies that bind us to the Natural World, reminding us of the responsibilities and gifts we share.
We invite guests to celebrate the harvest and honour all our relations as we walk the trails of Niagara’s treasured Carolinian Forest at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. Guests of all ages are invited to attend this event. There is limited capacity and advanced registration is required. Admission is $25.
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. More than 100 participants joined over the course of the program to reflect on Indigenous histories, knowledge, and futures in the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
Reawakening is presented annually in partnership with local organizations. All proceeds will support Indigenous-led initiatives and programming in the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
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About NPCA:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 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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Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan, Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-933-0532
jmcquillan@npca.ca