WIIKWEMKOONG—The seventh annual edition of the Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival (WAMF) will be kicking off the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival (aka the Wiiky Powwow) on Friday, August 2 at the Nimkoo Bineshiinh Kaaning (Thunderbird Park and powwow grounds) in what promises to be one of Northern Ontario’s most exciting summer weekends.
“This year we are very excited about the lineup for WAMF,” said organizer Jason Manitowabi, arts events coordinator at Wiikwemkoong Tourism. Mr. Manitowabi noted that each year WAMF sets about to pair its headliners with local, Indigenous and emerging artists. “This year we have Snotty Nose Rez Kids and our own Crystal Shawanda along with Nadijiwan and some very exciting things going on for the whole family.”
Among those who will be performing at WAMF is the incomparable up and rising classical pianist Mason Animikwan.
WAMF will feature a Kidz Zone with bouncy castles and Science North and Dynamic Earth exhibits, plus a special Smoke Dance Showdown hosted by Six Nations Tourism. The Smoke Dance Showdown is part of a collaboration between Wiikwemkoong Tourism and Six Nations Tourism.
“There will be a cultural exchange talk about Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse) culture,” noted Mr. Manitowabi, who explained that the cultural sharing with other Indigenous peoples is a key part of WAMF. More than that, the festival seeks to attract not just an Indigenous audience but is an opportunity to reach out to other cultural groups as well.
One of the most exciting aspects of WAMF this year will be the Odawa Mnis Master Chef showdown featuring professional Indigenous chefs, including local amateur cooks, looking to crown the best in taste on Manitoulin Island. Sections of the Odawa Mnis Master Chef showdown will take place between musical performances as an integral part of the evening’s diversions.
“We’ve made it to year seven because of the amazing support from sponsors such as Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council – Conseil des arts de l’Ontario and Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund,” noted Mr. Manitowabi.
WAMF tickets are only $25 and are on sale at www.wikytours.com or can be reserved by calling 705-859-3477.
