It will be easier than ever for the Brock community to take part in the annual Celebration of Nations.

The three-day event is an Indigenous gathering of arts, culture and tradition and has been supported by the University since its inception.

After kicking off on Friday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 a.m. with the lighting of a Sacred Fire behind Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, this year’s Celebration of Nations will run virtually until Sunday, Sept. 13. The festival is being produced by the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and Kakekalanicks Indigenous Arts Consultancy and will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook, with free admission for all streamed events, including musical performances, lectures and dance competitions.

Along with serving as the event’s lead sponsor, the University’s ongoing commitment to Celebration of Nations will be represented by Brock Board of Trustees member and Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Education Council Michele-Elise Burnett, who serves as the event’s Artistic Director, as well as through video messages from Provost and Vice-President, Academic Lynn Wells, and Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Amos Key Jr.

Key, who will deliver a welcome and greetings, said Brock’s connection to the event is rooted in the traditions of the University as well as its strategic commitments going forward.

“By its very location and namesake, Brock University has a long, rich history with the Haudenosaunee Civilization (Six Nations Confederacy) and the Anishinaabe Civilization (Three Fires Confederacy),” he said. “Participating in events like Celebration of Nations is one way that Brock is taking a leadership role to implement the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It is also an important strategic priority for the University: to foster a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and de-colonization.”

The University also has a long history of community engagement, and the ongoing partnership with Celebration of Nations and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre continues to affirm Brock’s commitment to supporting Niagara’s social and economic development while building a culture of engagement with the community.

“Brock is proud to partner with and to support the Celebration of Nations to showcase Indigenous arts and culture,” said President Gervan Fearon. “Along with individuals from across Niagara and beyond, members of the Brock community look forward to learning and growing together through the engaging events and conversations as together we continue to build an inclusive community and embrace the achievements of Indigenous communities.”

For a full listing of free events, or to learn more about the Celebration of Nations, visit celebrationofnations.ca