*Experience a deeper sense of connection to nature and Indigenous teachings with this self-guided audio tour of the Niagara Glen, the first of its kind in Canada
*Curated by Michele-Elise Burnett and audio-engineered by William Riech Jr., who are Metis with Algonquin roots and members of the Bear Clan
*Launch ceremony featured music by renowned Indigenous musicians, including Darryl Tonemah, remarks by local dignitaries and Indigenous representatives including master Haudenosaunee storyteller Perry Ground
Niagara Falls, ON – In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, a ceremony was held on Saturday, June 1, at the Niagara Glen to launch a new Indigenous audio tour experience, Rekindling All Our Relations, curated and produced by Michele-Elise Burnett, President of Kakekalanicks Indigenous Consulting Company and Landscape of Nations 360.
Niagara Parks, with the support of the Niagara Parks Foundation, Indigenous Tourism Ontario and the Federal Economic Development Agency of Ontario, invites guests to experience Rekindling All Our Relations and embark on this free, self-guided audio tour hike of one of Niagara Parks’ most beloved nature sites – the spectacular Niagara Glen.
As guests arrived at the launch ceremony on Saturday, June 1, they were welcomed by music from award-winning Native American (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora) singer-songwriter, actor, author and health psychologist, Darryl Tonemah. The ceremony began with a message of welcome and thanksgiving by Indigenous elder Grandmother Jackie Labonte, followed by remarks on behalf of the Niagara Parks Commission by Chair Bob Gale and the Niagara Parks Foundation by Director Sylvie Chartrand-Rafi.
Michele-Elise Burnett provided remarks that shared insight into her creative process and inspiration behind the tour and renowned Haudenosaunee storyteller Perry Ground from the Turtle clan of the Onondaga Nation spoke about the profound cultural connections to the Niagara River and the Niagara Glen. The ceremony concluded with music by Sabrina Shawana from the award-winning, Niagara-based Indigenous collective of drummers, Strong Water Singers. Guests were then invited to take part in a special guided tour of Rekindling All Our Relations, which was further brought to life by live music and storytelling by Darryl Tonemah and Perry Ground within the Niagara Glen.
Curated and produced by Michele-Elise Burnett and audio-engineered by William Riech Jr., Rekindling All Our Relations combines musical compositions from renowned Indigenous artists with rich narratives incorporating Indigenous teachings that encourage a deeper connection with the natural world and unique environmental features of the Niagara Glen. Both Michele-Elise and her son William carry with them a profound respect for their heritage and a commitment to honouring the teachings of their ancestors, which has translated into this deeply authentic and unique audio tour experience, the first of its kind in Canada. Rekindling All Our Relations has been made possible through generous support from the Niagara Parks Foundation, Indigenous Tourism Ontario and the Federal Economic Development Agency of Ontario.
The Niagara Glen is home to four kilometres of rugged hiking paths that wind through the pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest, taking guests on a journey past prehistoric rock formations, hundreds of at-risk species of flora and fauna and breathtaking lookouts to take in the beauty of the Niagara Gorge and swirling whirlpool rapids of the Niagara River.
To take part in the free, self-guided audio tour experience, guests are invited to download the Rekindling All Our Relations app in advance (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store). Additionally, handheld listening devices are available at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre. For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/glenaudio.