Saturday Sept. 30 on the
Territory of The Chippewas of Rama First Nation
RAMA, ON—The Chippewas of Rama First Nation will host a seldom-seen literary event in Canada featuring Indigenous authors, story-tellers and performers in Rama, Ontario this fall.
Giiwenh, an Ojibwe word meaning ‘so the story goes,’ is a day-long festival for all ages, featuring best-selling authors from Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, including David Bouchard, Lee Maracle, Joseph Boyden and Tracey Lindberg. Performers from local Indigenous communities, including renowned storyteller Mark Douglas and young hand-drummer Thomas Harrigan, will also perform. Other surprise guests have been invited.
A highlight of the day will be a cooking demonstration by chef David Wolfman. In the evening, stories will be told around the fire.
In keeping with Chippewas of Rama First Nation tradition, Doors Open and Culture Days, admission is free. The Chippewas of Rama First Nation will be offering free refreshments and traditional food along with free parking. Food venues will be on site.
According to Chief Rodney Noganosh, “In the shadow of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we are doing our small part to try to bring emerging and established aboriginal writing talent out of hiding. We are showcasing Metis and First Nations authors in one place, with an event that stands alone, not as an add-on to another literary event. We invite everyone to enjoy our hospitality.”
Giiwenh will be held (rain or shine) on Saturday, September 30, 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM, starting at the MASK Arena in Rama, Ontario. Free tickets are available at Eventbrite. https://t.co/
BprRskECY9Giiwenh is presented by HCC Presents, the programming component of the Huronia Cultural Campus, and the platform whereby it brings artistic opportunity to Simcoe-Muskoka.
The Huronia Cultural Campus is an Orillia-based charity dedicated to recognizing the potential of the Huronia Regional Centre property; exploring its reimagining into a multidisciplinary international centre for arts, education and innovation, and providing access to the grounds and waterfront for community and visitors.
“We are honoured to have this opportunity to partner with Chippewas of Rama First Nation in presenting First Nations culture as expressed in the written and spoken word,” said Huronia Cultural Campus board chair Fred Larsen. ‘This is a cultural event not to be missed,” he said.
Book clubs are already gearing up to meet the authors. Manticore Books, Orillia is the official bookseller of Giiwenh. Books by the authors will be available to purchase at Giiwenh and in advance on line or in the store. (www.manticorebooks.ca)
Regular updates about Giiwenh are available at www.hccpresents.com
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ABOUT HCC PRESENTS:
HCC Presents is the programming component of the Huronia Cultural Campus, and the platform whereby it brings artistic opportunity to Simcoe-Muskoka. 2017 boasts two cutting edge events: Giiwenh First Nations’ Literary Festival, September 30, at Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and GATHERING 2017, a multi-disciplinary performance event, November 17-18, at St. Paul’s Centre, Orillia.
The Huronia Cultural Campus is an Orillia-based charity dedicated to recognizing the potential of the Huronia Regional Centre property; exploring its reimagining into a multidisciplinary international centre for arts, education and innovation, and providing access to the grounds and waterfront for community and visitors.
