Presented as part of DECLARATION, a celebration of the creation and evolution of art by outstanding Indigenous artists.

To mark the opening of both DECLARATION and Ontario Scene, you are invited to a special performance created by ARTICLE 11, AANMITAAGZI, the MAZINIKIJIK SINGERS, and artists from the Ottawa community. Algonquin Elder Annie St. Georges will convene the welcome event with a traditional blessing.

DECLARATION is a celebration of Indigenous peoples’ right to engage in the creation and evolution of arts and culture, as asserted in Article 11 of the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Created by Toronto-based ARTICLE 11, DECLARATION is an immersive, live, sound and image installation and performance-creation lab that will feature performances by some of Ontario’s most creative Indigenous artists.

ARTICLE 11 founders/directors TARA BEAGAN (Nlaka’pamux/Irish) and ANDY MORO (Euro/Cree) have both been named among NOW Magazine’s top 10 theatre artists. Aanmitaagzi, helmed by storied artists PENNY COUCHIE and SID BOBB, is a professional interdisciplinary arts company from Nipissing First Nation that engages professional artists and community.

JUNO-nominated KEVIN CHIEF (aka Flying Down Thunder) and his daughter AMBER ASP-CHIEF will perform traditional Anishinabe round dance together as the Mazinikijik Singers.

Please note that unauthorized photographs and other recordings are not permitted.

Traditional medicines, including the burning of dried sage, will be used in the Salon throughout DECLARATION.