MANITOWANING—E’Naandegin, Debajehmujig’s 6 Foot Festival has seen many changes over the years, growing into one of the foremost expressions of modern Indigenous art in Ontario. Running from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15 the festival will not only encompass its original exhibition of creativity within a six-foot cube (hence the name) but has come to include all manner of storytelling artforms.
The festival begins, in a good way, with a pipe ceremony at 5 pm on the Friday, followed by a fashion show at 6 pm featuring the creations of five Indigenous designers and a round dance to while away the night. InkBeadz Traditional Tatooing by Crystal Kimewon will take place all day, as will the Brasserie Café.
Saturday, the doors open at 10 am for viewing of the installations and watercolour workshops will run from 12 pm to 3 pm (with hourlong sessions starting on the hour), Sabrina Manitowabi will deliver a “cube performance” at 3 pm. Nanabush stories will be relayed at 4 pm.
One of the highlights Saturday will be the 6 pm live jazz performance (with food available) by Chuck Copenance, whose fusion of the jazz artform with traditional Anishinaabe beats will deliver an entertaining and eclectic diversion. As is the case throughout the festival, InkBeadz and the Brasserie Café will be in action.
The doors of the Creation Centre in Manitowaning will open once again at 10 am on Sunday, with another hourlong watercolour workshop taking place at 11 am, followed by Nanabush Stories at 12 pm, Ogimawah and Mary at 1 pm and from 2 pm to 4 pm you can make your own pizza. The 6-foot installations will be available for view throughout.
