Arts Orillia presents GATHERING : Festival of First Nations Stories

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
May 13th 2024

Arts Orillia present GATHERING: Festival of First Nations StoriesThe 31st of May and the 1st of June, 2024.

Don’t miss this anticipated event with award-winning authors, storytellers and musicians.

Rama First Nation will be hosting a Story Welcome circle at Rama Community Hall on May 31st, starting at 7pm. Sherry Lawson, festival host and (Gimaa), Chief
Ted Willams, the community’s welcome leader, will be welcoming visiting authors and speakers Alicia Elliott (and presenters Armand Garnet Ruffo), Brandon Reid, and Drew Hayden Taylor. You’ll also meet Rama First Nation’s own celebrated author and artist, Chief Lady Bird as well as award winning filmmaker Keesic Douglas.

But that’s not all! Stay for the party. Boogey the Beat is an Anishinaabe producer and DJ who will be performing at 8 p.m. from Winnipeg.
Passion as he reminds the audience that, “at one time it was illegal for us to sing these songs, play these drums, and go to these ceremonies – now it’s a time for celebration, and for us to take over the main stage.”

Don’t stay up too late! On Saturday June 1st, the Sunrise Circle at Victoria Park in Rama starts at 5:30 a.m. and it’s followed by a comprehensive day of learning and entertainment back at Rama Community Hall, beginning at 9 a.m. Enjoy readings by our guest authors and a session on Indigenous Governance with ChristaBigCanoe and Julie Williams. You are also cordially invited to a screening Welcome Home. A Healing Journey Back to Community created with members of Rama First Nation Binoojiinyag gaa bi giiwejig – Children Who Came Home. Arts Orillia proudly brings our guest speaker to local elementary and high schools as part of Gathering Festival of First Nations Stories.

See Arts Orillia’s website for a complete schedule. Reservations are encouraged to ensure your seat. All events are free, but it is recommended that you make a reservation. Gathering is made a reality by the generous support from private donors, federal, provincial and corporate sponsors. Mariposa Folk Foundation is a local charity that has shown its support for Indigenous musicians at Gathering: Festival of First Nations Stories. We also want to thank our supporters from Orillia Community Foundation and Rama First Nation.

Kate Hilliard, artistic director: (416) 453-5677