Entertainment
FIDDLEGROUND
Fiddleground is a dynamic fiddling musical act specializing in Métis tunes & jigging made up of Kitigan Zibi Algonquin and 4th generation fiddler Anthony Brascoupe and guitarist David Finkle from Tyendinaga Mohawk territory. They will be joined by fellow Sudbury Métis Jigger Brad Lafortune. Get ready for blistering blasts of fiddling FURY combined with a frenetic frenzy of fast feet that make up the Fiddling/Jigging sensation: FIDDLEGROUND!
MARIAH MIIGWANS
Mariah Miigwans is Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Québec. She grew up on reserve and has been surrounded and mentored by skilled crafters, beaders and dancers since she was young. Mariah has been crafting and dancing since she was approximately 6 years old. She started off simply with only a ribbon dress, and later she added a shawl to transition into the Fancy Shawl Dance. It wasn’t until later in life that Mariah got her teachings to carry the Jingle Dress and was inspired and mentored to Hoop Dance after spending time in the Sundance Lodge where she fasted and prayed. Mariah has shared and danced in various places and spaces, even as far as France and Trinidad, representing her people and her nation. Through dance, Mariah is hoping to continue to raise awareness about First Nations culture as a step to reconciliation.
OKARA
David Finkle has been called a ‘Renaissance man’. Hailing from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in southern Ontario, he is an award-winning multi-instrumental recording artist versed in many musical genres. He’s a sound engineer, a storyteller, a producer, drum maker and has completed many scores for various theatrical productions, television & full-length features. David is backed by his beautiful wife Laura Leonard (of Maliseet descent) who is widely known both as a powerful hand drum singer as well as a talented fashion designer. As a singer/drummer her knowledge of traditional songs is varied and she is often invited into schools to share her gift of song with the students as well as conducting workshops on beading and leather work. Together they make up OKARA and will entertain you with their nature-inspired instrumental music.
TARNIRIIK
Samantha Metcalfe(19) and Cailyn Nanauq Degrandpre (18)
INUIT THROAT SINGERS together are called TARNIRIIK. Tarniriik translated means 2 Souls.
They have been Inuit Throat Singers since they can remember but professionally since 2015. They are dedicated to being positive role models, proud to work within the Ottawa Inuit Community to show younger and older generations to be proud of who they are, their culture and family history.