Celebration of Nations 2023 Program

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is located in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario at the corner of St. Paul and Carlisle Streets on the shared traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Neutral Peoples and many other Indigenous People from across Turtle Island. We offer our sincere gratitude and respect to the original and continued stewards of this land.

We also acknowledge Indigenous, Black, other Racialized Communities and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples who have been marginalized for centuries and more—and our collective responsibility to take action for a better world free from oppression, discrimination and racism.

Welcome

We are grateful for the opportunity to gather as a community at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre to share in the rich beauty and wisdom of Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers. As we enter year 7 of this celebration of diverse Indigenous cultures, born out of a visionary collaboration between the FirstOntario PAC, the City of St. Catharines and Kakekalanicks, I am proud to see how Celebration of Nations continues to grow a path for the next generation. Over the years we have seen the transformable change of the seeds we have sown over 7 years ago - by watching our youth emerge as the next generation leaders. Celebration of Nations is our opportunity to harvest this good medicine together as we continue to unify our cross-cultural communities by curating a plethora of Indigenous educational experiences through workshops, events and teachings all weekend long.

Michele-Elise Burnett, President of Kakekalanicks Arts Consultancy and Artistic Director of Celebration of Nations

This year my curatorial focus deals with the theme of borders, physical, sociological, and personal. From Saturday night’s concert event that explores the history and impact upon Indigenous families of the international border between the United States and Canada, to the boundaries that define the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere within which a grassroots movement has emerged to protect the environment, to the barriers of understanding that led to the Mohawk Institute and the legacy of Indian residential schools, to the Empathic Poetry Café where spoken word artists will address the complications of this theme, we once again seek to deepen the public’s awareness of the Indigenous experience.

Tim Johnson, Artistic Producer Celebration of Nations

CELEBRATION OF NATIONS SCHEDULE 2023

INDIGENOUS DISCOVERY ZONE

An interactive area designed for hands-on learning and fun for the whole family.

Saturday + Sunday | 12pm – 4pm | Algoma Central Lobby

Fort Erie Friendship Centre

Niagara Regional Native Centre

Niagara Region Métis Council

Niagara Falls History Museum*

Niagara on the Lake Tiny Museum

St. Catharines Library*

Welland Historical Museum

(*Saturday only)

VENDOR MARKET

Take home a treasure from Indigenous artisans and discover more from a variety of organizations in the Vendor Market.

Saturday + Sunday | 12pm – 4pm | The Backyard

MÉTIS ENCAMPMENT

Brian Kon (Métis) will bring elements of a traditional Métis encampment to Celebration of Nations, living and sharing the culture as their Métis ancestors would have in the early 1800s.

Saturday + Sunday | Dawn to Dusk | The Backyard

2023 SCHEDULE

PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP FILM TEACHING ONGOING

Celebration of Nations Sacred Fire

A sacred fire will burn each day from dawn to dusk in the backyard of the PAC during this year’s Celebration of Nations, lovingly cared for by Firekeepers from the Fort Erie Friendship Centre and the Niagara Regional Native Centre. All are welcome.

Dawn to Dusk Friday, Saturday & Sunday | The Backyard | FREE

Living Mino Bimaadiziwin: An Indigenous Journey through the Arts, curated by Michele-Elise Burnett

An immersive visual and audio exhibition that showcases artefacts and a variety of visual artwork by Indigenous artists. The exhibition takes visitors through a journey of Indigenous life pre and during contact to better understand today’s contemporary realities through a highly impactful and immersive installation.

The exhibition includes paintings, collage, fabric, audio, and jewelry and features pieces from The Red Dress Exhibit: If Only These Dresses Could Tell Their Story, further illuminating the exhibition’s message - the direct impact Residential Schools have on today’s Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and 2Spirit individuals (MMIWG2S) epidemic.

Featured artists: Christi Belcourt, Arnold Jacobs, Simon Paul-Denis, Dr. Rodney Haring, Billy Logan, Leona Skye, Jill Lunn, Philip Cote, the late Carl Beam and installations from the Red Dress Collective.

Gallery hours at firstontariopac.ca

Sat 9 Sept – Wed 4 Oct | Robertson Theatre | FREE Exhibit Generously Supported by

“REVERENCE FOR LIFE” CHRISTI BELCOURT

FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

Sunrise Ceremony w/ Elder Allan Jamieson Sr.

Greet the sun as it rises to begin a new day and give thanks for another day of life with a special ceremony led by Elder Allan Jamieson, Faithkeeper from the Wolf Clan of the Cayuga people.

6:30am | The Backyard | FREE

War Pony

(US, UK, 2022) The interlocking stories of two young Oglala Lakota men growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Directed by Gina Gammell & Riley Keough.

7pm | The Film House | PWYC

Celebration of Nations Outstanding Achievement Awards

+ Opening Reception

Artistic Director Michele Elise Burnett and Artistic Producer Tim Johnson share a welcome to the 7th annual Celebration of Nations.

The reception also hosts the 2023 Outstanding Achievement Awards that will recognize and honour credentialed and inspirational leaders in our community and beyond in the categories include performing and visual arts, educational, intellectual and cultural advancement, Indigenous language preservation, empathic traditions, stewardship and allyship. The program is peer-nominated and peer-driven by past recipients.

The esteemed list of past recipients include Susan Aglukark, Christi Belcourt, Angela DeMontigny, Rick Hill, Katsi Cook, Jennifer Dockstader, Karl Dockstader and Sean Vanderklis (One Dish, One Mic), Gervan Fearon, Wayne Gates, Nicole Joy-Fraser, Diane Longboat, Julie Lumsden, Tom McConnell, Larry McDermott, Kahente Horn-Miller, Tehahenteh Frank Miller, Gary Parker, Tom Porter, Sam Thomas, Walter Sendzik, Leona Skye-Grandmond, Santee Smith, Kayanesenh Paul Williams and Tom Wilson.

5:30pm | Robertson Theatre | By Invitation

Kaha:wi Dance Theatre - Homelands

Homelands is the 2023 Dora-award winning multimedia performance created by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre. Braiding earthy and cinematic media, sound design and performance, Homelands places Yethi’nihstenha (many womxn) within the homelands and waters of Kahnyen’kehàka territory / enhsenonhstate’ of upper state New York and around Ohswé:ken (Six Nations of the Grand River). Onkwehón:we (people of the way of forever) have always been and will continue to be tied to our lands and water and our kinship connections on A’nowarà:ke (Turtle Island).

The performance is an immersive multimedia concert featuring an interplay between video projection, live dance and music. Founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Santee Smith, Kaha:wi Dance Theatre is one of Canada’s preeminent dance companies.

7:30pm | Partridge Hall | REG $35 | UNDER 30 $15

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

Sunrise Ceremony w/ Elder Albert Choken and Grandmother

Marie Jones

Greet the sun as it rises to begin a new day and give thanks for another day of life with a special ceremony led by Anishinaabe Elder Albert Choken (Thunderbird Clan from Lake Manitoba First Nation) and Grandmother

Marie Jones (Mohawk Turtle Clan).

6:30am | The Backyard | FREE

Procession of Nations

A powerful and moving display of the diversity of Indigenous peoples and ally communities who live within the Niagara region and who travelled long distances from across Turtle Island. This event is based upon the Two Row Wampum teaching and serves as a way for all nations to come together to share our diverse traditions and cultures, to heal and to build a future of unity and friendship.

10am | The Backyard | FREE

NFB Animated Shorts

Enjoy a suite of animated National Film Board (NFB) short films from a group of talented Indigenous filmmakers.

10am – 12nn | The Film House | FREE

Medicine Wheel Bracelet Workshop

Skillful creator April Mitchell-Boudreau will guide participants to create a professional quality bracelet while sharing teachings about the healing modality of the Medicine Wheel.

12pm | Joy Williams Lobby | Pre-registration required

C.L.A.S.S. Teachings w/ Elder Franklyn McNaughton

Join Elder Franklyn McNaughton (Haudenosaunee) as he shares the teachings of the Medicine Wheel with songs, dance and teachings from the Haudenosaunee lens.

12pm | The Backyard | FREE

Leather Drum Bag & Medicine Pouch Workshop w/ 101 Deweguns Collective

Participants will make their very own personalized leather Medicine Pouch for them to take home and assist with making Leather Bags for the 101 Deweguns project.

12pm | RBC Innovation Studio | Pre-registration required

Interactive land based Indigenous Leadership workshop w/ Sabrina Shawana

By incorporating both the Seven Fires of Creation and the Medicine Wheel Teachings, visitors will create a Wampum Strand Key Chain which will serve as a reminder of your responsibilities to carry the knowledge in a Good Way.

1pm | The Backyard | FREE

The Mohawk Institute: Purpose and Preview of a National Site of Conscience w/ Rick Hill, Nicholas Roland, Heather George, Dawn Hill and Tim Johnson

An exploration into the approach to the Mohawk Institute Residential School site interpretation that includes the treatment of the building as an artifact and the creation of exhibits that accurately represent the experiences of the survivors who were placed there.

2pm | The Film House | PWYC

Seven Grandfather Teachings and reflection activity — Love, Wisdom, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility and Truth w/ Nokomis Cindilee

Learn the philosophy behind the 7 Grandfather Sacred Teachings which are a set of teachings on human conduct towards others.

2pm | The Backyard | FREE

Indigenous Food Sovereignty Journey

w/ Chef Charles Catchpole

In this workshop, Anishinaabe Chef Charles Catchpole will talk about his background as a chef and his path to learning and understanding Indigenous Food Sovereignty. He will be talking about the story of his micro farm and Indigenous methods of growing. He will also be providing a bannock making demonstration and tasting.

2pm | The Recital Hall | PWYC

7 Directions Sacred Sound Circle

Indigenous Sound Circles have been used for centuries to connect with nature, honour the elements, and create harmony. Led by Natalie Blueraven and Audra Sewell Maloney.

3pm | The Backyard | FREE

Living Mino Bimaadiziwin: An Indigenous Journey through the Arts — Curator’s Talk

Learn more about the Living Mino Bimaadiziwin: An Indigenous Journey through the Arts with curator Michele-Elise Burnett.

4pm | Robertson Theatre | PWYC

Empathic Poetry Café 2023

The Empathic Poetry Café offers creative reflections on the theme of borders - physical, sociological, and personal, featuring Roméo Desmarais III, Melissa Schnarr and Ganohsanohwe Lindsay Bomberry curated by January Rogers.

6pm | The Recital Hall | PWYC

BORDER CROSSING / Blues

In the latest musical production by Celebration of Nations Artistic Producer Tim Johnson, Digging Roots and The Ripcords will perform blues and rock infused songs that reveal the continuity of Indigenous cultures across the dividing line.

7:30pm | Partridge Hall | REG $35 | UNDER 30 $15

The Unknown Country

(USA 2022) An unexpected invitation rushes a grieving young woman into a lonely road trip through the American Midwest towards the border between Texas and Mexico. Directed by Morrisa Maltz.

7pm | The Film House | PWYC

SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

Sunrise Ceremony w/ Elder James Shawana

Greet the sun as it rises to begin a new day and give thanks for another day of life with a special ceremony led by Elder James Shawana (Anishinaabe, Eagle clan).

6:30am | The Backyard | FREE

Dreamcatcher Workshop

Make your own dreamcatcher and learn about its teachings and history as it was shared with creator, Mandi Montour.

11am | RBC Innovation Studio | Pre-registration required

Grandmothers Circle: Renewing the Seeds for the Seven Generations w/ Shani M. Martin, Misty Ladd, Grandmother Gail Whitlow and Grandmother Renee Thomas-Hill.

Through vision, the Grandmothers were guided to share the ancient knowledge of preparing for the dark times, the time of great sadness and loss of spirit, the restoring of the spirit, heart, mind and body.

12pm | Robertson Theatre | PWYC

Talking Turtle Stories w/ Perry Ground

Perry Ground will share several Haudenosaunee Stories which have been passed down from time immemorial.

12pm | The Backyard | FREE

The Creation Story w/ Shyann Jenkins and Joe Shawana

Joe Shawana and Shyann Jenkins will share The Creation Story from both their cultures in an interactive and participatory manner along with traditional hand drum songs.

1pm | The Backyard | FREE

Medicine Wheel Bracelet Workshop

In this interactive workshop, talented creator April Mitchell-Boudreau will guide participants to create a professional quality bracelet while sharing teachings about the healing modality of the Medicine Wheel.

2pm | Joy Williams Lobby | Pre-registration required

Talking Turtle Stories w/ Perry Ground

Perry Ground will share several Haudenosaunee Stories which have been passed down from time immemorial.

2pm | The Backyard | FREE

Baby Moccasin Making Workshop

Create Baby Moccasins to honour our MMIWGB2S and the children who never made it home with acclaimed artist Mary Clause.

2pm | RBC Innovation Studio | Pre-registration required

UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere: Co-governance in a Time of Urgency w/ Patrick Robson, Michael McDonald, Liette Vasseur, Jim Hill, Karl Dockstader, Larry McDermott, Ellen Savoia, Steve Barnhart and Tim Johnson.

Plenty Canada will act as official convener of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere and hosts this session dedicated to sustaining this broadly forested area.

2pm | The Film House | PWYC

Strong Water Singers

Join members of Strong Water Singers as they share their 8-year journey of reclamation of traditional values and sisterhood.

3pm | The Backyard | FREE

Tonemah

Tuscaroran musical sensation Tonemah has recorded 10 awardwinning albums, that include his well-known hit singles “Pow Wow Snag” and “Rezzylicious.” Tonemah and his full band join will close the 7th annual Celebration of Nations gathering with a fun show.

4pm | Partridge Hall | PWYC

War Pony

(US/UK 2022) The interlocking stories of two young Oglala Lakota men growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Directed by Gina Gammell & Riley Keough.

6pm | The Film House | PWYC

ABOUT CELEBRATION OF NATIONS

Artistic Director

Michele-Elise Burnett (Métis with Algonquin roots)

Artistic Producer

Tim Johnson (Mohawk)

Celebration of Nations is the celebrated annual gathering of Indigenous arts, culture and tradition that takes place during the weekend after Labour Day each September. The annual gathering is part of a long-term vision of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Kakekalanicks and the City of St. Catharines.

Now entering its 7th year, Celebration of Nations aims to build on the Two Row Wampum that promotes all Nations walking together, in parallel, with respect, compassion and understanding to cultivate an inclusive community for our shared future. It is intended to provide opportunities for national and international visitors to actively participate in an inclusive and engaging community gathering that will foster a greater sense of belonging, support meaningful reconciliation, and leave a lasting legacy of goodwill for future generations.

Kakekalanicks Indigenous Arts Consultancy’s 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.

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is a 95,000 square foot cultural complex comprised of four state-of-the-art performance venues and an outdoor space located downtown St. Catharines, Ontario on the shared traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and many other Indigenous people from across Turtle Island. The PAC hosts a signature presentation series of international and local performing artists and plays a vital role in the renaissance of downtown St. Catharines, serving as the catalyst in modernizing the area and reinforcing the brilliance of Niagara region’s diverse cultural cluster. The PAC aims to provide meaningful opportunities to bring our community together in a place of mutual understanding, empathy and respect through the arts.

Thurs 28 Sept @ 7pm | The Film House | PWYC

PRESENTED BY LEAD

SPONSOR

The Nature of Healing is the spoken truth of seven courageous people who survived the Mohawk Institute, Canada’s first and longest running “Indian” residential school. From victim to survivor, to activist, this is a story of resistance, resilience and a healing path. Join the director and survivors for a panel discussion following the film. 100% of the proceeds go to the creation of the Mohawk Village Memorial Park.

The Circle - Sisters in Spirit

Wed 4 Oct @ 7pm | Robertson Theatre | PWYC

A showcase of emerging and established Indigenous musicians and artists making waves on the scene, curated by Celebration of Nations Artistic Director Michele-Elise Burnett.

This special edition of The Circle will take place on Sisters in Spirit Day, the annual day to honour and remember the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people and to support grieving families and community members. Following the annual St. Catharines Sisters in Spirit walk, which begins at City Hall at 5pm, all are welcome to join The Circle.

The Circle will gather in Robertson Theatre among the Living Mino Bimaadiziwin: An Indigenous Journey through the Arts exhibition. The exhibition is curated by Michele-Elise Burnett and features artistic works and reflections from renowned Indigenous artists and Elders, as well as pieces from The Red Dress Exhibit: If Only These Dresses Could Tell Their Story. Among this dramatic setting,

The Circle will feature Geneviève Gros-Louis Salamone, an esteemed violinist, film composer, and producer hailing from the illustrious HuronWendat Nation, has garnered international recognition. Her remarkable talents have led her to grace illustrious events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Paris Fashion Week, Wendake International Pow Wow, and the Sante Fe Indian Market, showcasing the depth and breadth of her artistry to audiences around the world.

Lead sponsor of Niagara’s Celebration of Nations, 2023

Reconciliation starts by acknowledging, listening, and learning. TM Trademarks of Meridian Credit Union Limited

CELEBRATION OF NATIONS