Kakekalanicks and ARTPARK

Michele-Elise, Founder of Kakekalanicks, is proud to be ARTPARKS Indigenous Art Producer. ARTPARKS aims to produce and present excellence in the visual and performing arts, and create unique cultural experiences in a casual, natural setting. Artistic talent is nourished and allowed to flourish in an atmosphere that is entertaining, educational and interactive for Artpark visitors. Michele-Elise curates experiences to enrich ARTPARK guests in Indigenous Peoples culture and way of knowing. Visit ARTPARK’s website for more information about the programming!


Upcoming Programming with ARTPARK

ARTPARK STRAWBERRY MOON FESTIVAL | June 18, 2022 | Artpark Lower Park & Amphitheater

Artpark’s 3rd annual Strawberry Moon Festival will open the day with the traditional Thanksgiving Address followed by a welcoming Native American Drum Circle at the Peace Garden.

The Indignenous Discovery Zone will host several interactive workshops where visitors can learn more about the beautiful culture, traditions and indigneous way of knowing will be held throughout the day.  

Visitors will also enjoy:

  • Storytelling with Haudenosaunee Master Storyteller Perry Ground

  • The mesmerizing fast paced Smoke Dance competition will expand this year with top WNY youth and adults competing for first place. 

  • Learning about the different styles of Pow Wow and Round Dance styles as well as participating in traditional Haudenosaunee dances.

  • Vendors market filled with incredible and authentic artworks, crafts, traditional foods of WNY Native artisans and cooks.

The Emerald Grove Stage will house several singer songwriters, bands, dance demonstrations and new this year, a youth fashion show.  This year we are featuring Blue Rodeo and Pamyua. 

An up close unplugged and intimate concert will kick off the evening portion of SMF by paying tribute to critically acclaimed Native American Singer Songwriter, award winning icon, Joanne Shenandoah with her daughter Leah Shenandoah, Theresa Bear Fox, Tonemah and Perry Ground.


Learn more about ARTPARK programming by watching the above video and visiting ARTPARK.NET

EARTH DAY 2022 CELEBRATION

To celebrate Earth Day, we turned to members of the Six Nations Confederacy for lessons on how to live in harmony with Mother Earth — something they’ve been doing for millennia.

Overlooking the waters of the mighty Niagara river and with red-tailed hawks soaring above, a Haudenosaunee family of well-known performers got together on the Artpark trail to recite the Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen, or thanksgiving address. They shared traditional songs and dances to celebrate their deep connection to — and respect for — the natural and spiritual world. 

ARTPARK offers a wide range of sponsorship opportunities created to amplify your brands mission and goals. To learn more about partnering with ARTPARK and allowing for more experiences focused on Indigenous People, get in touch today


Top Image Photo Credit: Jill Lunn