Articles from:January 2025

• Community unites in pride as Pow Wow returns to Brock

  Friday, January 17, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – January 17, 2025 – R0009

  The Ian Beddis Gymnasium was awash with colour, community and connection as the second annual Pow Wow drew hundreds to Brock University on Friday, Jan. 17.

  Hosted by the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, the free public event featured a vibrant display of First Nations, Métis and Inuit music, dance, art and cuisine.  

  People from all nations gathered in shared celebration of culture, tradition and resilience as drum rolls roared through the air, music and song reverberated from the rafters and pure pride filled the hearts of all in attendance.

  The event began with a grand entry that welcomed Elders, veterans, Brock leaders, dignitaries and dancers in traditional regalia who presented various flags of significance. A full day of dancing and music followed, bringing those from all nations and ages together to share their unique traditions and talents with the crowd. Some of the day’s drummers and dancers included Head Dancers Notorious Cree (James Jones), from Tallcree First Nation, and Marley Fairfield, from Six Nations of the Grand River; Host Drum Bear Creek; Co-Host Drum Old Style; and Invited Drum Young Tribe.   

  The Pow Wow also featured a bustling vendor fair with a unique assortment of carefully handcrafted items as well as traditional foods like Indian tacos and strawberry juice.

  Third-year Public Health student and Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre Peer Assistant Sophia Carnovale served as this year’s Pow Wow Assistant Co-ordinator.  

  A member of the Mohawk Wolf Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River, she has grown up going to Pow Wows and been a dancer from a very young age. She was joined on Friday by numerous members of her family and her friends, who were all thrilled to take part in the day.

  “A Pow Wow feels like home to me because everything belongs — I belong — and being able to co-ordinate a Pow Wow of my own was something I never envisioned being able to accomplish,” she said. “I am very proud of what the team and I have done and it’s been a wonderful opportunity to get everyone together under a Brock roof.

  “I’ve learned so much and have enjoyed being able to step up in this role to help shape the Pow Wow and give back to the community.”   

  Cindy Biancaniello (Elder Anauta), Director of Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, said she heard nothing but resounding positivity from everyone in attendance.

  “They come here to heal, and when they hear that heartbeat of the drum, it’s just completely overwhelming — they get goosebumps,” said Biancaniello, who is Inuk and whose community is Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake), Nunavut. “Whether it’s their first Pow Wow or they’ve been doing it for 20 years, people become emotional, and I love watching their reactions as they experience this amazing gathering.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483 

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  Categories: Media releases

• Community open house to celebrate Brock’s historic Theal House

  Thursday, January 16, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – January 16, 2025 – R0008

  The oldest building on Brock University’s main campus is opening its doors to the community next week to highlight its rich past and celebrate its future.

  As part of the University’s 60th anniversary celebrations, the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) is inviting students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members to pay a visit to Theal House.

  Located between the Community Garden and the Zone 3 parking lot, the building has been home to several Brock departments since the 1960s.

  While many have wondered at its quaint appearance over the years, few will have been inside, especially since the ESRC moved in and completed an environmentally sustainable renovation in keeping with the principles of their research and teaching.

  ESRC Director Julia Baird says the Centre is eager to welcome visitors from Theal House’s past, present and future to the open house to share their stories — whether they practised musical instruments with the St. Catharines Symphony, dropped beats for CFBU 103.7 or stopped in to pay off a parking ticket.

  “Our research centre does a great deal of community-engaged work, and with Brock’s 60th anniversary this year, we saw the perfect opportunity to engage with the community by asking them to come in and see what Theal House looks like today,” says Baird. “We also want to hear their stories; we all benefit from understanding how the community is connected to this place.”

  Guests from Niagara Parks, the Town of Lincoln and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will be in attendance, as well as local historians, senior leaders from Brock and ESRC graduate students. But she hopes that many surprise visitors will help shed a light on how Theal House has been a unique and integral part of Brock’s campus for the past six decades.

  Theal House will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Special guests will speak starting at 11 a.m. and refreshments will be served throughout the day.

  Canada Games Park is kindly providing courtesy parking to community visitors in their front lot for the duration of the open house.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

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  Categories: Media releases