BRANTFORD — The best in Haudenosaunee art, music and culture will be the focus of a brand new arts festival set to hit the Woodland Cultural Centre this June.
The Onkwehón:we (The Original People’s) Festival will showcase the best artistic works, both contemporary and traditional June 15-17, 2018.
According to a statement from the WCC, “Attendees will have the opportunity to witness unique traditions that have been existent before contact. Performances and events will be multi-disciplined and of the highest caliber featuring storytelling, dance, music, theatre, visual arts, film and workshops.”
This will be the first year the festival is taking place. WCC says partner sites will be set up around Six Nations and Brantford showcasing lead up activities to the event itself.
“The intent of the festival is to provide a space for Haudenosaunee artists and other Indigenous nations from across Turtle Island to showcase their artistic gifts,” says the statment. “The vision is to create and grow a festival within the community that will be a destination for artists, audiences, organizations and presenters to enjoy.”
Sponsorship for the event includes the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, Department of Canadian Heritage, Brant Community Foundation, Six Nations Elected Council and Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation — including additional contribution from Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and The Gathering Place by the Grand.
