CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Directions festival shines contemporary light on Indigenous art and culture

The Directions Indigenous Arts Festival was a fall celebration for students and the community in the heart of Kitchener.

The free event hosted by Be-Dah-Bin Gamik in Victoria Park/Willow River Park on September 21 meshed contemporary and traditional Indigenous music and art to create a unique experience.

The lineup included Mattmac, Thee Growlits, Classic Roots and DJ Poptrt, offering up hip-hop, rock and electronic music.

"People were sitting in the grass relaxing, enjoying the music," said Raven Morand, Indigenous Services co-ordinator. "People were dancing and moving along with the acts."

The beautiful weather only added to the celebratory atmosphere at the festival, which had two food vendors providing snacks and drinks including traditional strawberry juice.

Thee Growlits is a young band out of London, Ontario, that was excited to perform. "They just really warmed our hearts to support a youth band," Morand said.

The electric beats of Classic Roots and DJ Poptrt were followed by headliner Mattmac, a blind musician who took the stage as the sun set on the park. "The crowd really loved him," Morand said.

This year's event boasted the biggest lineup of artists. Moving the festival from the Kitchener - Doon campus to downtown Kitchener made it more accessible to community members, which also fostered connections.

"It was a really great opportunity to build a relationship with the community," Morand said. "Overall, it was a really awesome event. It has so much potential to grow in the future."

Marketing co-ordinator Ian Maracle said the event "put the spotlight on Indigenous art and culture in a contemporary light."

"I want it to be a celebration. I want people to come and enjoy themselves," Maracle said. "I want people to take away a new experience."

Conestoga's annual Pow Wow will be held in winter 2025, welcoming all community members to enjoy traditional drumming, singing and dancing, as well as guest speakers and sacred fire.  

Be-Dah-Bin Gamik provides culturally grounded support and services to Indigenous students at the college. To learn more, visit the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.