LINCOLN, ON - An evening of story, song, sound and community will unfold under the stars this September as Reawakening: Sounds of the Forest returns to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area on Saturday, September 26, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Created for guests of all generations, Reawakening offers an opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life and experience the landscape through Indigenous story, song, teachings, and sound. The evening invites participants to move through the conservation area with intention, noticing the relationships between land, water, plants, trees, animals, and people.
The evening begins at the fire, where guests will gather in circle, set intentions and offer gratitude to All Our Relations before entering the landscape. Smudging will be offered to those who wish to participate. From the fire, participants will begin the Sounds of the Forest Sonic Trail, an immersive audio experience that brings Indigenous voices, songs, stories and teachings into relationship with the natural landscape of Ball’s Falls.
The trail follows Twenty Mile Creek through the Carolinian Forest, with recorded contributions from Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, singers and artists guiding participants along the way. Guests are encouraged to bring a fully charged smartphone or handheld device and their own earbuds or headphones. For those without a device, projected audio will be available.
As participants move along the trail, the sounds of water, wind, birds, and forest life become part of the experience, creating space to consider the many relationships that sustain the landscape. The journey includes teachings and music honouring the Water Nations, Tree Nations and other relatives encountered along the way.
The Sonic Trail features contributions from Elder Dave Labbé, Anishinaabee singer and dancer Joe Shawana, Tuscarora singer Quinna Hamby, Grandmother Jackie Labonte and vocalist Nicole Joy-Fraser, with the experience culminating in music that carries guests back toward the fire. The evening will then transition from the intimate experience of the Sonic Trail to a share fireside gathering featuring acclaimed Huron-Wendat violinists, composer, and storyteller Geneviève Gros-Louis .
Gros-Louis will share the Huron-Wendat Creation Story of Ya’ta’: Yätaentsic, Sky Woman, and the beginning of Turtle Island. Her storytelling will also explore the Huron-Wendat story carried within the name of Lake Ontario, Ontari’io, and the enduring relationship of the Huron-Wendat people with these lands. Her original compositions will be woven throughout the storytelling, bringing classical violin into the circle and creating a contemporary musical expression of Huron-Wendat story, memory and Creation.
Based in Los Angeles, Gros-Louis is a composer, producer and violinist whose multidisciplinary practice brings together Indigenous tradition, contemporary composition and storytelling. Her work spans film, television, concert halls and international stages.
Through her music and storytelling, Gros-Louis offers audiences an opportunity to experience Indigenous history and culture as living, evolving expressions that continue to resonate across generations.
For curator and storyteller Michele-Elise Burnett, the experience is designed to encourage a different kind of engagement with the landscape.
“When we give ourselves permission to slow down, the landscape starts to reveal itself differently. You hear the water, notice the trees, feel the presence of the forest and then the stories and songs become part of that experience. Reawakening is an invitation to be present and to think about the relationships we have with the places we call home.” - Michele-Elise Burnett, President Kakekalanicks and LON360°
“Ball’s Falls offers an incredible setting for people to connect with nature, history, and community. Reawakening invites guests to experience the conservation area through Indigenous story, music and sound, encouraging a deeper awareness of the landscape and the many connections that exist within it. We are pleased to support an experience that creates space for learning, reflection, and connection.” - Alicia Powell, Manager Conservation Areas and Programs, NPCA.
“At Balls Falls, Reawakening: Stories by the Fire invites us to listen, learn, and reflect together on Indigenous history, culture, and the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation. Newcomers, immigrants, and established Canadians are always warmly welcomed into this shared space. Thank you, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, and Kakekalanicks for your continuing guidance and opportunity for this event.” - Pam Seabrook, Fundraising and Events Manager, Bridges Niagara.
Reawakening: Sounds of the Forest offers guests a chance to listen more deeply, reflect on the stories held within the landscape and consider the responsibilities that come with our relationships to the natural world and to future generations.
Reawakening is presented with support by Bridges Niagara, Kakekalanicks Consulting, and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA).
Guests of all ages are invited to attend this event. There is limited capacity and advanced registration is required. Admission is $30. Purchase tickets here: www.showpass.com/reawakening-stories-by-the-fire
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 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
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.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-933-0532
jmcquillan@npca.ca