Indigenous music and culture are a part of Rock on the River for the first time this year.
Dancers, singers and musicians from all over the Treaty 9 region got together at Hollinger Park to share their culture and let people learn about the lands the Rock on the River festivities happen on.
“There’s so much diversity of communities that reside here in Timmins,” said Melissa Blackned, the event coordinator with Mushkegowuk Council. “It’s important to see and showcase our culture in a very positive way.”
Mushkegowuk Council has partnered with the Rock on the River organizers to put together the event, starting in February.
“Just happy to be here, the sun is shining, to be out on the land, I’m just happy to see these cultural activities having a place in Timmins,” said Troy Woodhouse, who represented Flying Post First Nation and did the land acknowledgment at the event. “Each day we’re making strides to being better to each other.”
While there were some timing issues between the soundchecks on the main stage and the dancing happening at the Hollinger band stand, the gathered crowd enjoyed a powwow demonstration with grass dancers and a grand entry.
“It’s just a matter of bouncing off each other’s schedules and having our stuff showcased properly as it should be,” said Blackned. “In terms doing better with the time schedules and make sure sound checks don't happen during our honour veterans song and stuff like that.”
The show continued with the full hour of programming taking place from 1 p.m.
Behind the showcase, the BMX stunt show was also drawing a crowd.
The music will continue through to the evening with Tragically Hip tribute band, the Poets, the Swamp Rockers and Adrian Sutherland.
The afternoon activities include:
- 3:30 p.m. - The Poets
- 4:15 p.m. - BMX And Extreme stunt show
- 5 p.m. - Adrian Sutherland
On Saturday, there are activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hollinger Park.
