The Aboriginal Resource Centre at Loyalist College is pleased to host the 15th Annual Festival of Native Arts on Saturday, November 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the College’s Kente Building cafeteria. The Festival provides an opportunity to experience the richness of Aboriginal culture.
The opening ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. with Stephen Green, followed by flute soloist Elder Brian ‘Bear’ Bowden. For the first time, nationally known award-winning singer Missy Knott will perform at the Festival, accompanied by the Sam Ferguson band. The 20 year old artist from Peterborough released her debut CD For No Reason At All in 2009, and is the winner of the Peterborough Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist Award 2009 and Best Pop CD 2009 Toronto Exclusive Award. Missy received national recognition when performing in the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.
Guests attending this year’s Festival will enjoy a full day of performances, including soloist Aurora Finkle accompanied by her father David, fiddling entertainers, storytellers and the Tyendinaga Women’s Water Drum. Numerous craft and food vendors will also be present.
“Our lives are enriched by our traditions, beliefs and customs,” said Paul Latchford, Coordinator of Aboriginal Services at Loyalist. “The Festival allows us to share our heritage with the community. We hope this helps others gain a clear sense of our source of pride.”
Closing ceremonies will be held at 4:00 p.m. For more details regarding the day’s events, please contact the Aboriginal Resource Centre at Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2250 or e-mail aboriginalrc@loyalistc.on.ca. The Festival is a non-profit event and there is no admission charge.
Missy Knott at the 2010 Festival of Native Arts
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332, or Paul Latchford, Aboriginal Resource Centre, at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2250