Since our program started almost three years ago, we’ve been collaborating extensively with projects and partners across the circumpolar world. And we’ve loved every minute of it! But all those activities have been a lot for our small group to handle. We’ve been so busy these past six months that we have not been able to connect with as many of the local and regional programs and organizations as we wanted to. So this summer, we’re making it our mission to get off the screen and out around Winnipeg, to meet those special artists, entrepreneurs, food sector businesses and non-profit organizations that have inspired us.

This week, we got to attend the Turtle Island Block Party organized by the sākihiwē Festival. It was amazing!

This vibrant cultural celebration and community event is one of the best experiences we’ve had yet. It was held June 29, 2024 in collaboration with the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre and the City of Winnipeg at the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre. The weekend block party featured a dynamic lineup of performances from artists such as Silla, Nathaniel Sinclair, Ma Mawi’s Rising Sun Powwow Club and many others. It was hosted by Ashley Martel Lepine, and this free event included a concert, BBQ sponsored by FoodFare Winnipeg and the Zeid family.

“Engaging with artists and cultural connectors through venues like the Sākihiwē Festival highlights the importance of mentorship in nurturing our emerging artists,” said Jamie Bell, one of the artists and community based researchers behind the Art Borups Corners program. “Fostering these connections, we empower First Nations, Inuit and Red River Metis artists, cultural and food sector workers to explore their creativity while making a lasting impact on their personal and professional journeys.”

From 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, visitors explored the Indigenous Marketplace and enjoyed free printed photographs at The SnapFox Photo Booth. Hair braiding services were available from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The event was overseen by the Sabe Peacewalkers, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all. The Turtle Island Block Party was a family-friendly occasion that brought everyone together in celebration of Indigenous culture and community spirit.

Thank you so much for making us feel welcome!

Sākihiwē

Sākihiwē Festival, originally known as Aboriginal Music Week, was established in 2009 with the aim of providing a platform for Indigenous artists in Canada and beyond. Rooted in the Cree language, “Sākihiwē” means “to love,” embodying the festival’s mission to foster understanding and appreciation through the arts. The festival takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, showcasing a diverse array of music genres including hip-hop, folk, and traditional Indigenous music.

Beyond performances, Sākihiwē offers workshops, community celebrations, and opportunities for artists to engage with audiences, creating a space for cultural exchange, dignity and mutual respect. The festival celebrates incredible First Nations, Metis and Inuit artistic talent while also seeking to bridge gaps between communities, promoting reconciliation and inclusivity through the universal language of music.

“Music is often underrepresented in food security activities, yet it can be a powerful tool for fostering community engagement and cultural expression,” said Bell. “Music brings people together. Food is belonging. From bringing diverse groups together, raising awareness about food issues, and enhancing mental well-being, music enriches all these kinds of initiatives and strengthens community ties. It’s important for the youth to gain experience and to see how these events work.”

The sākihiwē Festival is made possible with funding and partnerships with the Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Arts Council and Winnipeg Arts Council, the Spence Neighbourhood Association, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, and the City of Winnipeg. The sākihiwē summer series is made possible by partnerships with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Treaty One Nation, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre, the Central Community Incentives Program, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

We can’t wait to come back again next year!

About our summer programming

This summer’s Youth, Arts and Media Team summer activities are supported with funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Global Dignity Canada, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the University of Minnesota Duluth, Manitoba Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. We also thank the OpenAI Researcher Access Program, Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada and the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Program. Thank you for supporting this year’s program. Our mission is to #Unitekindness.