A multi-dimensional celebration honoring Indigenous cultures. Events include a scholarly discussion by guest speaker Rhonda Anderson, Western Massachusetts Commissioner on Indian Affairs; exhibition of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women painting project by Nayana LaFond; traditional cultural presentations including eastern woodland social songs by Andre StrongBearHeart; family storytelling in the native tradition by author Larry Spotted Crow Mann; music by Urban Thunder; and indigenous food by Chef Sherry Pocknett and the Sly Fox Den.
The centerpiece of the Celebration is the work of guest artist Anthony Melting Tallow, Bo’taan’niis, (Flying Chief) A member of the Blackfoot nation and proud Two Spirit, Aya’kii’kas’si, (Walks A Journey Between), Melting Tallow’s work addresses land dispossession, residential school inter-generational trauma, reframing indigenous voices, misappropriation of native imagery, and violence against indigenous women.
All are welcome.
