Dates
Deshkan Ziibiing (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation), in collaboration with Music Tourism and the Western Fair District, is proud to welcome a slate of incredible Indigenous artists and makers to the Western Fair District for the Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) Music and Artisan Festival, November 18 through 20, 2022.
Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) is about addressing the cultural genocide which diminished our traditional and cultural ways of living, with a promise to never forget what happened in the residential school system.
Proceeds from the concert and market will go toward saving the remaining structure of the Mount Elgin Indian Industrial School barn, where children inscribed messages on the walls and foundation, to create a Mount Elgin Museum and Interpretive Center.
“Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii will be a celebration of Indigenous music, art, and culture in honour of our residential school Survivors and those who never made it home. It is our hope that attendees will learn more about the important cause for this festival, and in doing so, never ever forget that Every Child Matters. All proceeds from this event will be going toward the Save the Barn initiative at Deshkan Ziibiing, which will culminate in the creation of a Museum and Cultural Learning Centre.” – Chief Jacqueline French
Concerts will be accompanied by an Indigenous-led market, showcasing traditional skills and art forms. The market will include Indigenous artisans, vendors and programming on Friday, November 18 from 5pm-11pm; Saturday, November 19 from 1pm-11pm; and Sunday, November 20 from 1pm-11pm.
