GAWII WIIKAA GA-NENDIMISII (NEVER EVER FORGET ME) MUSIC & ARTISAN FESTIVAL
With Live Performances By
NORTHERN CREE DIGGING ROOTS also featuring the Godfather of PowWowStep DJ SHUB SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT AGRIPLEX LONDON, ON
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
at www.WesternFairDistrict.com
September 30th – Doors: 5:00PM ~ Show: 6:00PM
Programming will also feature an Artisan Market and Local Programming that is free to the public Friday September 29th and Saturday September 30th
Tickets: $30.00 in Advance
(plus ticketing fees and charges)
All Ages / General Admission / Alcohol- and Drug-Free Event
Deshkan Ziibiing (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation), in collaboration with Atlosha Family Healing Services, Music Tourism and the Western Fair District, is proud to welcome a slate of incredible Indigenous artists, makers and organizations to the Western Fair District on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation for, Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) Music and Artisan Festival, September 30, 2023.
Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) is about addressing the cultural genocide which diminished our traditional and cultural ways of living, with a promise to never forget what happened in the residential school system.
Proceeds from the concert and market will go toward saving the remaining structure of the Mount Elgin Indian Industrial School barn, where children inscribed messages on the walls and foundation, to create a Mount Elgin Museum and Interpretive Center. More information about the event is available at http://www.nevereverforget.me .
“Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) Music and Artisan Festival is not just a celebration of our resilience, but a testament to the enduring Indigenous creativity in music, art, and culture. We invite you as our guest on September 30, to learn more about the important cause for the festival – and in doing so, never forget that every child matters. Join us as we come together to remember, heal, celebrate our culture together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.” – Chief Joe Miskokomon.
Concerts will be accompanied by an Indigenous-led market, showcasing traditional skills and art forms. The market will include Indigenous artisans, vendors and programming on Friday, September 29 from 4pm-9pm and Saturday, September 30 from 10am – 7pm.
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering
– Wear Orange, Speak Truth”
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour those who survived residential schools and to remember those who did not. This day provides an opportunity for meaningful discussions, raising awareness of the lasting impacts of residential schools, and inspiring action, hope, and healing. Show your solidarity by wearing orange and help bring attention to the tragic legacy of residential schools.
Join us at the Western Fair District Agriplex from 12 pm to 3:30pm to commemorate this significant day. The gathering will feature an honour dance, prayer, guest speakers, educational booths, and more.”
Atlohsa Family Healing Services will be leading programming, with free access to the public at the Western Fair District Agriplex from 12pm to 3:30pm, on September 30th, to
commemorate this significant day. The gathering will showcase singing, dancing, prayer, informational / educational booths, and more.
In this current time, there is a revitalization of making that is informed by an Indigenous worldview that has been maintained here for thousands of years. Historically, Indigenous makers used skill and story to create their work that was based on traditional conventions which had been passed down from generation to generation.
A disruption has taken place in the past number of centuries, yet our creativity has never stopped. Traditional conventions and contemporary stories are taking on new and exciting forms within materials and technologies of today. Experience, learn and become informed; our knowledge is meant for all of us to live and thrive within.
Northern Cree is a powwow and Round Dance drum and singing group, based in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada. Formed in 1982 by the Wood brothers; Steve, Randy, Charlie and Earl Wood of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. All members originate from the Treaty 6 and are members of the Cree Nation, unless otherwise noted. (Saddle Lake Band, Samson Band, Louis Bull Band, Frog Lake Band, Onion Lake Band, Sweetgrass Band, Poundmaker Band, Sunchild Band, Menominee Nation)
Regarded as one of the best acts in modern Native American powwow music, they have been named one of the most respected pow-wow groups in North America and the world. The group, or their music, has been described as remarkably unified and powerful, attention-grabbing, and energetic.
They have been nominated for six Grammy Awards and nominated for two Juno Awards. In 2017, the Singers, along with founder Randy Wood and Tanya Tagaq, won a Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year – Large Ensemble for the album Going Home Star.
Digging Roots – For over a decade, two-time JUNO Award winners Digging Roots have traveled the world with a joyful message of resistance, celebrating Anishinaabe and Onkwehón:we traditions of round dance and interconnectedness. As Roots Music Canada says, the band is “…badass, empowering and hopeful all at the same time.”
Digging Roots takes you on a journey through tall grass, sweet waters and unconditional love in a joyous and powerful celebration on their 4th album Zhawenim (2022). Led by the electrifying current of husband-and-wife team, ShoShona Kish and Raven Kanatakta, the 6-piece band responds to a majestic and spiritual call from ShoShona’s earthy vocals and Raven’s exhilarating guitar mastery through a fusion of blues, soul and rock n’roll.
DJ Shub – Considered to be the Godfather of PowWowStep, DJ Shub has undoubtedly pioneered a growing genre of electronic music. Born Dan General, he is a Mohawk, turtle clan of the Six Nations of the Grand River located in Ontario, Canada. His latest album War Club (2020) was released to critical acclaim during the pandemic, featuring
collaborations with other indigenous and BIPOC artists like Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Boogát, Fawn Wood, and Phoenix Pagliacci to name a few.
This project is a partnership between Deshkan Ziibiing (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation), Atlohsa Family Healing Services, Music Tourism and the Western Fair District. It is being made possible through the generous support of the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southwestern Ontario’s Tourism Relief Fund and the Federal Government of Canada.
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