Now extended until 2:00 PM with a community Drum Circle at 12:15 PM and an additional storytelling session with Perry Ground at 1:15 PM!
Thorold, ON — Kakekalanicks, in partnership with the City of Thorold and One Thorold, invites the public to a vibrant and heart-centered gathering at Thorold’s Indigenous Unity Garden on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Braiding Our Stories is a family-friendly, interactive celebration of Indigenous teachings, storytelling, music, and hands-on workshops. This free event invites guests of all ages to listen, learn, and connect through the richness of Indigenous culture, teachings, and relationships.
We are honoured to welcome Master Haudenosaunee Storyteller Perry Ground to the Niagara Region, whose traditional storytelling is renowned across Turtle Island for its energetic, animated, and deeply engaging style. Through humour, vivid imagery, and active audience participation, Perry brings traditional Haudenosaunee legends to life in a way that captivates hearts and minds of all generations. His featured storytelling sessions at 11:30 AM and 1:15 PM are sure to be unforgettable highlights of the day.
“Bringing Perry Ground to Niagara is a true honour. His stories don't just entertain—they teach, heal, and awaken. His energy and presence are magnetic. We are also deeply proud to feature teachings from one of our young Indigenous youth, Bennett, who will be sharing his drum teachings. Witnessing the next generation step forward with pride and purpose is both heartwarming and vital for our future.”
— Michele-Elise Burnett, President, Kakekalanicks
RUN OF SHOW
Braiding Our Stories
Saturday, June 14 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thorold’s Indigenous Unity Garden, Mel Swart Park
Bring your chair, blanket, lunch and enjoy the day. Dress for the weather!
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM at the Garden
Opening Welcome with Nokomis CindiLee
Begin the day in circle with a grounding and heartfelt welcome, honouring the land, ancestors, and intentions of the gathering.
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM at the bench overlooking the water
Drum Teachings with Indigenous Youth Bennett
Learn the teachings of the hand drum and big drum. Experience traditional songs and connect through the heartbeat of the drum.
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM at the Garden
Reciprocal Gardening with Nokomis CindiLee
Engage in land-based teachings about balance, gratitude, and caring for the land that sustains us. CindiLee will remain available after her session for informal questions and conversation.
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM at the bench overlooking the water
Allyship Reflection: The Meaning of Indigenous History Month
with Janice Anderson
A reflective conversation on the significance of Indigenous History Month from a non-Indigenous perspective. Janice invites participants to explore meaningful allyship and how to walk in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples every day.
10:45 AM & 11:15 AM in the big tent
Special Storytimes with Ally Librarian Lissani
Presented by Thorold’s Mobile Indigenous Library
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM on the grass east side of the garden
Featured Storytelling with Perry Ground
Stories from the People of the Longhouse
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM on the grass east side of the garden
Drum Circle with Josephine LaValley
Come together in the sacred circle to honour the teachings of the day through rhythm, unity, and gratitude.
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM on the grass east side of the garden
Additional Storytelling with Perry Ground
A second round of stories from the Longhouse, filled with heart, humour, and wisdom.
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM at the Garden
Closing Reflections & Final Market Moments
Take time to complete your crafts, connect with vendors, and reflect on the teachings and stories shared.
ONGOING EXPERIENCES (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Medicine Pouch Making with Mary Clause (10:15 AM – 1:00 PM)
Indigenous Artisan Market
Thorold’s Mobile Indigenous Library (Drop-in)
Ancestors’ Reflection Immersive Audio Tour (Bring your own device and earbuds)
Presented by Kakekalanicks in partnership with the City of Thorold and One Thorold