Indigenous Awareness

Our ongoing friendship with Members of the Indigenous Community.

We are fortunate to enjoy a rich friendship with many members of the local Indigenous community and have collaborated on several projects together over the last few years.

Downtown Kingston Land Acknowledgement:

Written with guidance from Grandmother Kathy Brant

Respectfully acknowledging that downtown Kingston resides on land which is the traditional territory of the Huron Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee, we work towards deeper understanding by engaging in relationship and teaching.

Waawaateg: Northern Lights & Indigenous Storytelling Winter 2023

Downtown Kingston BIA collaborated with a number of Indigenous community members and artists to produce an interactive light and sound experience in downtown Kingston for March Break 2023. Waawaateg [meaning ‘There is a display of the northern lights’ in Anishinaabemowin-Ojibway] featured an interactive light installation in Confederation Park representing the Northern Lights along with five unique art installations created by Indigenous artists and storytellers featuring their understandings, stories and creative arts to the world. 

Spirit of Winter: An Enchanting Journey of Light, Sound, and Storytelling 🌲2024

In February 2024 Spirit of Winter transformed Springer Market Square into a mesmerizing celebration of Indigenous storytelling, light, and sound.
The event included:

  • Enchanted Forest of twinkling trees leading to captivating visuals projected onto the historic limestone buildings surrounding Springer Market Square.
  • Indigenous storytellers telling the narratives of Cree artists Dakota Ward and Jaylene Cardinal of W.C. Creatives. Tales that honour their heritage and community.
  • Skate under the stars, to soak in the beauty of this immersive, heartwarming experience.
  • Visuals by AVA Animation and Visual Arts: This internationally acclaimed BIPOC women-led studio brought extraordinary projections to life, blending art, light, and storytelling to create unforgettable moments.

Truth and Reconciliation Day Workshop

Hosted by Three Things Consulting - www.3things.ca

Staff at the BIA took part in a virtual one-hour workshop to learn more about the history behind National Truth and Reconciliation Day and how to recognize the holiday beyond wearing orange shirts.