GAWII WIIKAA GA-NENDIMISII Music & Artisan Festival is coming to Western Fair District September 28-30, 2024

WILLIAM PRINCE 

also featuring 

SEBASTIAN GASKIN 

EDWIN TAYLOR | HECTOR STURGEON | DJ FASTCLOUD & Comedian JANELLE NILES 
MORE ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED 

SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2024 
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT AGRIPLEX 
LONDON, ON 

Admission By Voluntary Donation

All Proceeds to Chippewas of the Thames ‘Save the Barn’ Project

Artisan Market Runs September 28-29, 2024, 12:00PM-6:00PM

Art Rush – September 28-29, 2024 3:00PM-5:00PM

Musical Performances – September 28, 2:00PM-7:00PM, September 29, 2:00PM-9:00PM

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation* – September 30, 2024 10:00AM-1:00PM (*September 30th *general public seating in the bleacher section only)

All programming is free to the public, voluntary donations are appreciated

(All Ages / General Admission Seating / Alcohol- and Drug-Free Event)

Muncey, ON - Deshkan Ziibiing (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation), in collaboration with Atlosha Family Healing Services, Music Tourism and the Western Fair District, is proud to welcome a slate of incredible Indigenous artists, makers and organizations to the Western Fair District on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation for, Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) Music and Artisan Festival, September 28-30, 2024

Chippewas of the Thames are proud to present performances by William Prince and Sebastian Gaskin on Sunday September 29th, along with featured local and regional artists to be announced. Musical performances will run on both days.

William Prince – September 29, 7:30pm and September 30, 11:00am (solo)

William Prince approaches the big questions with humility and curiosity, and his songwriting is a masterclass in skilful simplicity. Since his first JUNO Award win in 2017, Prince’s momentum as continued to build, with each new album adding depth and dimension to an exceptional body of work that has received international award and acclaim. From national network television appearances, top-tier media coverage and performances at major international festivals, William Prince has become one of the country’s most beloved and celebrated songwriters.

Sebastian Gaskin September 29, 6:00pm

Sebastian Gaskin is a multi-instrumentalist R&B singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Canada, who grew up in Tataskweyak Cree Nation, or Split Lake Manitoba as it’s better known. Sebastian writes and self produces music that is anything but formulaic, thanks to eclectic musical tastes in R&B, Hip Hop, Metal,and Punk. The Winnipeg Free Press says: “...think Post Malone mixed with Frank Ocean, all swag and smooth vocals, hits of hip-hop and rap, rounded out with emotive thoughtful lyrics.”.

Gaskin is the recipient of the 2021 Western Canadian Music Award for R&B Artist of the Year, the 2021 Kevin Walters Song Writing Award, and was also chosen to attend the 2021 Allan Slaight Juno Masterclass.

Following the release of Gaskin’s debut EP, “Contradictions”, on their own imprint, LieBoy Concepts, Sebastian made some impressive strides headlining a cross-Canada club tour and appearing at established festivals throughout the country including; Festival du voyageur, Canadian Music Week, Interstellar Rodeo, and Calgary Stampede. They have supported artists including Common and T-Pain, and have toured supporting the iconic songwriter and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Art Rush – September 28 and 29 3:00-5:00pm

Inspired by an annual Institute of American Indian Arts event, we are hosting an Art Rush event on Saturday and Sunday from 3pm to 5pm. Join us and create a work of art to the sound of inspirational Indigenous music by Jay Smith a.k.a. “FastCloud”.

Artist materials will be provided to create an individual art piece and/or take part in a collaborative community banner. Seating is limited.

Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) is about addressing the cultural genocide which diminished our traditional and cultural ways of living, with a promise to never forget what happened in the residential school system.

Proceeds from the concert and market will go toward saving the remaining structure of the Mount Elgin Indian Industrial School barn, where children inscribed messages on the walls and foundation, to create a Mount Elgin Museum and Interpretive Center. More information about the event is available at www.nevereverforget.me .

"Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) Music and Artisan Festival is not just a celebration of our resilience, but a testament to the enduring Indigenous creativity in music, art, and culture. We invite you as our guest on September 28th, 29th and 30th, to learn more about the important cause for the festival - and in doing so, never forget that every child matters. Join us as we come together to remember, heal, celebrate our culture together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation." – Chief Joe Miskokomon, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

“Reconciliation is a good concept, but it's difficult when the party that needs to reconcile it's past behaviour with respect to First Nations people has to be dragged along with path. Truth is necessary as well as action, and both have been lacking. What has been really encouraging is the increase in support from allies in the citizenry, and that will be necessary in pushing the government along the same path. Efforts to decolonize the relationship will continue.” - Grand Chief Joel Abram, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians

Concerts will be accompanied by an Indigenous-led market, showcasing traditional skills and art forms. The market will include Indigenous artisans, vendors and programming on Saturday September 28 and Sunday September 29, 2024 from 12:00pm-6:00pm. Musical performances will run on both days.

On Monday September 30th, in collaboration with Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Western University-Wampum Learning Lodge and the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), grade seven and eight students from select London area elementary schools will participate in the day which includes a solo performance by William Prince.

TVDSB is taking important steps to honour residential school survivors and remember those who did not make it home. The TVDSB Indigenous Education Portfolio has developed age-appropriate resources and lesson plans to support learning about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

TVDSB schools have developed programming for students of all ages to learn, reflect and recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

On Monday, September 30th, all TVDSB schools will lower their flags to half-mast and change their school signs to reflect a message about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Learning resources are available at: tvdsb.ca/EveryChildMatters

“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering – Wear Orange, Speak Truth”

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour those who survived residential schools and to remember those who did not. This day provides an opportunity for meaningful discussions, raising awareness of the lasting impacts of residential schools, and inspiring action, hope, and healing. Show your solidarity by wearing orange and help bring attention to the tragic legacy of residential schools.

In this current time, there is a revitalization of making that is informed by an Indigenous worldview that has been maintained here for thousands of years. Historically, Indigenous makers used skill and story to create their work that was based on traditional conventions which had been passed down from generation to generation.

A disruption has taken place in the past number of centuries, yet our creativity has never stopped. Traditional conventions and contemporary stories are taking on new and exciting forms within materials and technologies of today. Experience, learn and become informed; our knowledge is meant for all of us to live and thrive within.

This project is a partnership between Deshkan Ziibiing (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation), Atlohsa Family Healing Services, Music Tourism and the Western Fair District. It is being made possible through the generous support of the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southwestern Ontario’s Tourism Relief Fund and the Federal Government of Canada.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Shadia Ali, Communications Officer Chippewas of the Thames First Nation sali [at] cottfn.com (sali[at]cottfn[dot]com)

Ira Timothy, Communications Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) itimothy [at] aiai.on.ca (itimothy[at]aiai[dot]on[dot]ca)

Cheryl Weedmark , Communications Thames Valley District School Board cheryl.weedmark [at] tvdsb.ca (cheryl[dot]weedmark[at]tvdsb[dot]ca)

Chris Campbell Music Tourism Chris [at] MusicTourism.ca (Chris[at]MusicTourism[dot]ca)

Deshkan Ziibiing, also known as Chippewas of the Thames First Nation: Deshkan Ziibiing (pronounced desh-kan-zee-bing) means ‘People along the Antlered River’ - the Anishinaabeg, commonly known as Chippewas of the Thames First Nation - is located on the north bank of the Thames River approximately 20 kilometers southwest of London, Ontario. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is an Anishinaabe community, whose shared traditional territory is located in Southwestern Ontario

Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) is mandated as a Provincial Territorial Organization (PTO) to defend and enhance the Indigenous and treaty rights of our member First Nations. A non-profit organization, AIAI was founded in 1969 in response to an era of oppressive policies and government practices attempting to assimilate and integrate First Nations peoples.

We provide political representation and policy analysis in areas that include health, social development, education, intergovernmental affairs, and treaty rights. We also work closely with other PTOs and the Assembly of First Nations to advocate for and advance our collective rights.

Music Tourism: Specializing in music city and music tourism industry consultancy and business development, Music Tourism is led by Chris Campbell, an inventive, collaborative, and self-motivated music, entertainment, and tourism industry professional with decades of experience in strategic planning, event acquisition and major event management. We specialize in the creation and implementation of music city and music tourism strategies. Working together with your industry stakeholders we will maximize economic and socio-economic potential.

Atlohsa Family Healing Services is a non-profit, charitable organization. We have been serving individuals and families across Southwestern Ontario and beyond since 1986 providing low-barrier wraparound services to community members with complex needs, including mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, domestic violence, and trauma. We specialize in providing strengths-based healing and wellness support, utilizing trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches.

The Western Fair District: The Western Fair District (WFD) is a multi-faceted, not for profit, Agricultural Society, based in the heart of London, Ontario. WFD is a member driven organization supported by an extensive group of volunteers and staff. Through its programming and facilities, it is a leading year-round agriculture, entertainment, commercial, sports and recreation destination for residents of the city of London and far beyond, anchored by its signature event, the annual Western Fair.