Join us for a special Every Child Matters event at the Unity Garden on September 14th!

See below for the full schedule. All are welcome.

10:00am - Opening TRC Circle at the Unity Garden

10:15 - 12:30 Painting Rocks & Colouring Station. Honor the Stolen Children with Michele-elise

10:15 - 12:30 Indigenous Drop-in Library hosted by Thorold Library 

10:15 - 10:45 Family Storytelling with Carrissa 

10:15 - 11:00 De Dwa Da Dehs Nyes Youth Drum sharing drop-in Teachings

10:45 - 11:15 Interdependence of flora & fauna workshop with Raven

11:15 - 12:00 Sunflower Teachings - Seed Gathering & Exchange with Carrissa

12:15 - 12:45 De Dwa Da Dehs Nyes Youth Drum Circle at Unity Garden

12:45 - 1:00 Closing TRC Circle at Unity Garden

Join us for a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, storytelling, and the interconnectedness of all beings at this year’s Strawberry Moon Festival on Saturday, June 29! This year’s festival will feature the Smoke Dance Competitions, live performances by Robert “Freightrain” Parker, Tonemah (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora), and Geneviève Gros-Louis from the Huron-Wendat Nation, an artisan market, workshops and more. This year’s festival is free to attend. Visit artpark.net for more info

Featured Artists:

• Plasticiens Volants, France in collaboration with: Peter Jamison (Seneca Nation, Heron Clan) and Kyle Joedicke, (Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan).

• Choreography and stage direction by:  Plasticiens Volants and Michele-Elise Burnett (Métis Nation/Algonquin, Bear Clan), Artpark Indigenous Arts Producer.

• New live score and performance by Genevieve Gros-Louis, Huron-Wendat violinist, film composer (National Geographic's Life Below Zero; preluding the premiere of Martin Scorsese's film Killers of the Flower Moon at Cannes Film Festival).

• Performances by Haudenosaunee Singers & Dancers, Kehala & Jordan Smith, Tonemah, & Perry Ground. 

• Smoke Dance Competition. 

• Indigenous Market

• Interactive teachings, dance and lacrosse.

Rekindling All Our Relations – An Indigenous Audio Tour of the Niagara Glen was curated by Indigenous community member Michele-Elise Burnett, audio-engineered by Indigenous community member William Reich and supported by the Niagara Parks Foundation. Both Burnett and Reich are Metis citizens of Ontario with Algonquin roots and are members of the Bear Clan. 

This self-guided tour is a mix of traditional and bespoke musical creations portraying lessons and stories through an Indigenous lens. Free for the public, immerse yourself in Indigenous teachings focused on cultivating a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the spectacular natural environment of the Niagara Glen.  

This edition of The Circle will feature the talents of Leah Shenandoah, DnA, as well as Eroll Starr and Donny Hill of Tribz. The Circle is curated by Michele-Elise Burnett. This performance of The Circle will take place in the beautiful 304-seat Recital Hall with the performers on stage.

The Circle: Indigenous Singer-Songwriters in the Round was conceived to offer a deeply intimate musical encounter for both artists and attendees. Rooted in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture, The Circle embraces lyrical storytelling to foster reconciliation, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the nation's complex history, all through the voices of Indigenous singer-songwriters.

Serving as a platform to amplify and empower emerging and established Indigenous talents, The Circle provides a space where authentic Indigenous voices share the stories behind their songs. By introducing Indigenous music to a broader audience, The Circle aims to raise awareness and promote the remarkable talent within Indigenous communities.

In contrast to conventional stages, The Circle offers a unique and intimate musical experience, providing a "behind-the-music" concert spotlighting Indigenous artists. This gathering of Indigenous singer-songwriters invites listeners into a shared space where they take turns sharing their songs and the stories behind them.

These stories traverse a spectrum of emotions—from poignant and somber to humorous and playful. Regardless of the narrative or melody, The Circle's "raw as originally written" unplugged concerts foster a profound sense of community, sharing, and healing, leaving audiences uplifted and captivated by the magic of Indigenous lyrics and storytelling.

“A beautiful and intimate weaving of stories and songs.” — Samantha, Audience Member 

Featured Artists: 

Leah Shenandoah M.F.A, B.S., is a Wolf Clan Member of the Onyo’ta:aká: – Oneida Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She is an indigenous scholar, artist, activist and musician currently enrolled as an Apparel Design Ph.D. Candidate at Cornell University. Shenandoah combines indigenous methodologies, material culture and activism to create a space of protection, comfort and healing through her work.. Her original compositions have received national and regional recognition. Shenandoah’s debut album, Spectra with producer JJ Boogie from Arrested Development, received a Native American Music Award for “Best Debut Album” and “Best Alternative Album” from the Syracuse Area Music Awards. 

Building a creative life together for almost 25 years, Doug Boudreau and April Mitchell-Boudreau, DnA happily blend family, music, and their successful handmade jewellery business, Lofttan. Doug, a Juno-nominated multi-instrumentalist with Acadian roots, and April, an artist with Haudenosaunee roots, embody the spirit of the two-row wampum for mutual respect, peace and friendship (plus a whole lot of love!). On and off the stage, their lives harmonize, creating an intimate and authentic acoustic musical experience featuring their heartfelt originals and  covers of other artists.

Tribz is an adult contemporary band that is rooted in R&B/blues, reggae, pop, and rock Fusion. We quickly realized how eclectic and different our music is because of our individual diverse backgrounds. It also reflects our common values as in we are all from different T R I B Z  but able to come together as One unit to bring the message of Love, Hope, and Empowerment to the Men and Women around the World.

Errol Star was born in Jamaica with African and Arakaks-Tainos ancestry.  He eventually moved to Canada where his musical career soared. He is a Juno Award winner, recipient of the Socan Songwriter of the Year award, Q107 Toronto Music Award winner and Canadian Black Music Award winner.

On bass is Six Nations Mohawk tribe member Donny Hill. Recorded and toured with Juno winner Murray Porter, he played the very first Rez Blues show, and has shared the stage with Big Sugar, Blue Rodeo, and the cast of RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World.

Click here to download all artist bios.


PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN

All tickets are subject to HST.

This performance is sponsored by Hatch Ltd.

Join us on April 13th for the Thorold Indigenous Unity Garden Opening Ceremony! Join Michele-Elise Burnett & Natalie Blueraven as we welcome in Spring and awaken Unity from her winter sleep. We will start with taking straw off garden beds. All are Welcome to join with good hearts & minds. Bring Drums, shakers & garden gloves. Cedar tea provided.

Date: April 13th 1-3pm
Location: Mel Swart Gibson Lake, Thorold

This edition of The Circle will feature the talents of Leah Shenandoah, DnA, as well as Erroll Starr and Donny Hill of Tribz. The Circle is curated by Michele-Elise Burnett.

The Circle: Indigenous Singer-Songwriters in the Round was conceived to offer a deeply intimate musical encounter for both artists and attendees. Rooted in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture, The Circle embraces lyrical storytelling to foster reconciliation, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the nation's complex history, all through the voices of Indigenous singer-songwriters.

Serving as a platform to amplify and empower emerging and established Indigenous talents, The Circle provides a space where authentic Indigenous voices share the stories behind their songs. By introducing Indigenous music to a broader audience, The Circle aims to raise awareness and promote the remarkable talent within Indigenous communities.

In contrast to conventional stages, The Circle offers a unique and intimate musical experience, providing a "behind-the-music" concert spotlighting Indigenous artists. This gathering of Indigenous singer-songwriters invites listeners into a shared space where they take turns sharing their songs and the stories behind them.

These stories traverse a spectrum of emotions—from poignant and somber to humorous and playful. Regardless of the narrative or melody, The Circle's "raw as originally written" unplugged concerts foster a profound sense of community, sharing, and healing, leaving audiences uplifted and captivated by the magic of Indigenous lyrics and storytelling.

“A beautiful and intimate weaving of stories and songs.” — Samantha, Audience Member 

Featured Artists: 

Leah Shenandoah M.F.A, B.S., is a Wolf Clan Member of the Onyo’ta:aká: – Oneida Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She is an indigenous scholar, artist, activist and musician currently enrolled as an Apparel Design Ph.D. Candidate at Cornell University. Shenandoah combines indigenous methodologies, material culture and activism to create a space of protection, comfort and healing through her work.. Her original compositions have received national and regional recognition. Shenandoah’s debut album, Spectra with producer JJ Boogie from Arrested Development, received a Native American Music Award for “Best Debut Album” and “Best Alternative Album” from the Syracuse Area Music Awards. 

Building a creative life together for almost 25 years, Doug Boudreau and April Mitchell-Boudreau, DnA happily blend family, music, and their successful handmade jewellery business, Lofttan. Doug, a Juno-nominated multi-instrumentalist with Acadian roots, and April, an artist with Haudenosaunee roots, embody the spirit of the two-row wampum for mutual respect, peace and friendship (plus a whole lot of love!). On and off the stage, their lives harmonize, creating an intimate and authentic acoustic musical experience featuring their heartfelt originals and  covers of other artists.

Tribz is an adult contemporary band that is rooted in R&B/blues, reggae, pop, and rock Fusion. We quickly realized how eclectic and different our music is because of our individual diverse backgrounds. It also reflects our common values as in we are all from different T R I B Z  but able to come together as One unit to bring the message of Love, Hope, and Empowerment to the Men and Women around the World.

Errol Star was born in Jamaica with African and Arakaks-Tainos ancestry.  He eventually moved to Canada where his musical career soared. He is a Juno Award winner, recipient of the Socan Songwriter of the Year award, Q107 Toronto Music Award winner and Canadian Black Music Award winner.

On bass is Six Nations Mohawk tribe member Donny Hill. Recorded and toured with Juno winner Murray Porter, he played the very first Rez Blues show, and has shared the stage with Big Sugar, Blue Rodeo, and the cast of RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World.

Click here to download all artist bios.


PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN

All tickets are subject to HST.

This performance is sponsored by Hatch Ltd.

Garden City Gardeners Presents

Lorraine Johnson — Writer, Editor & Community Advocate

Topic: Tending the Earth—Gardening for the Future

“Lorraine Johnson has been one of the most constant and helpful advocates of putting native

plants back into the garden.” (from the book A History of Canadian Gardening, by Carol Martin,

published in 2000).

Lorraine is a writer, editor and community advocate who, when pressed to describe what

unifies her work, has settled on the term cultivation activist.

The author of numerous books on growing native plants, gardening for pollinators, restoring habitat, and producing

food in cities, Lorraine’s work focuses on people and communities growing plants, ecological health, and connection to

nature and to each other. Through her books, articles and community projects, she strives to advance the understanding

that everything and everyone is connected and that, through our actions, we all have a role to play in making this

world a better place for all life. She’s a little bit earnest, but, she hopes, in a good way.

Please go to the Garden City Gardeners website stcatharinesblooms.com | horticultural society | P. O. Box 29013 Carlton, St. Catharines, ON, Canada L2R 7P9 for a list of her excellent books.

Step into the heart of Honest Harvest at the Unity Garden! 🌻🏵️

Join us on Saturday, October 14th, from 10am-2pm for a day filled with enriching activities and heartfelt connections. 🧡

🎭 Special Performance: Immerse yourself in the captivating tales from internationally renowned traditional Haudenosaune Storyteller Perry Ground.

🌿 Master Plant Medicine Teaching with Audra Maloney

🌻 Seed Saving Workshop of Sunflowers and Marigolds with Natalie Blueraven

🍂 Create Your Own Medicine Tie with Michele-Elise, Audra, and Blueraven

🎶 Singing and Drumming

🛍️ Vendors 

This event promises a day of learning, creativity, and commUnity. Let's celebrate the abundance of the harvest season together! 🍁✨

A musical showcase of emerging and established Indigenous 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, an 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 Sisters in Spirit walk, which begins at St. Catharines City Hall at 5pm, all are welcome to join The Circle where two formidable artists will share their gifts in Robertson Theatre.

Featured artists:
Geneviève Gros-Louis Salamone, a renowned violinist, film composer and producer from the Huron-Wendat Nation, has gained global acclaim for her exceptional talents. Despite childhood trauma, she fearlessly uses her platform to shed light on mental health, women facing sexual violence, and challenges Indigenous communities confront. With a violin performance degree and Indigenous studies background from McGill University, Geneviève composes captivating film scores, performs globally with her mesmerising violin, and produces award-winning music at Wendat Records.  Her music has graced esteemed events like Cannes Film Festival, Paris Fashion Week, and Wendake International Pow Wow, captivating audiences with her cultural storytelling.

“It felt so special and very Indigenous to all be in that circle together. So much Medicine! Much preferred over a show that plays AT you, this show included everyone to make that Medicine!” - April, audience member

“Loved it! Thank you for encouraging me to seek and discover!” - audience member

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN

All tickets are subject to HST.

This performance is sponsored by Hatch Ltd.

Join us for a special Truth & Reconciliation event, Otinichick : Taken, a proposed multi-media touring installation addressing the legacy of the Indigenous residential schools, day schools, the 60’s Scoop, and failed child welfare policies.

Friday, September 29th, 2023
11 AM – 3 PM
Wabano Centre, 299 Montreal Rd.

Presenters include:

• Survivors

• Sixties Scoop Network

• Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding Schools

• Métis Nation Alberta – Truth & Reconciliation

Food and refreshments will be served. This event is open to the public.

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Niagara Folk Arts Festival, and Kakekalanicks Consulting have partnered on a unique and specially programmed evening to engage in learning and reflection. Set within the beautiful landscape of the Niagara Escarpment and Carolinian Forest, this event offers programming that will bring guests closer to their roots while reflecting on Indigenous histories, knowledge, and futures in Niagara.

Spend time reawakening your spirit in the natural world with immersive Indigenous cultural programming under the stars. Featuring interactive storytelling, music, and dancing, Stories by the Fire will ignite your sense of place, purpose and connections.

Proceeds contribute towards Indigenous-led initiatives and programming in Niagara.

• Saturday, Sept. 23: Indigenous Stories by the Fire, 6-8 p.m.

• Cost: $25 per person

• Limited capacity available

Purchase tickets here: https://www.showpass.com/2023reawakening/

Bid farewell to August with us on August 26th from 10am to 12pm with some garden nurturing and Indigenous ways of knowing 🪴

Remember to bring your gardening tools and keep water and snacks nearby. Allow your drum or shaker to join in the harmony. 🎶🥁Above all, come with an open mind and an open heart, ready to learn, connect, and foster community growth. 💚✨

Meet our passionate gardening expert, Natalie Blueraven, with a warm smile and abundant knowledge. 😊🌸

Embrace the joy of unity and nature's embrace. See you there! 🌻🌈