Morrisburg, ON — June 13, 2025 — Upper Canada Village proudly marked National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day today with a meaningful celebration honouring the rich heritage, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.
The event featured two captivating performances by Kanerahti:io (DJ) White, Cultural Educator with Rise Up Studio of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, alongside The Rise Up Traditional Singers and Dancers. Held in the heart of the Village, the performances welcomed visitors to gather, listen, and learn as traditional songs and dances were shared, offering a powerful and personal window into the living cultures and customs of Indigenous communities.
“This collaboration with Upper Canada Village is about more than art or performance, it’s about creating space for connection. It’s an opportunity to honour our traditions, share our stories, and invite others into a deeper understanding of who we are as Indigenous people. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and projects like this help build bridges rooted in respect, learning, and shared humanity.” Said Kanerahti:io (DJ) White, Cultural Educator, Rise Up Studio.
As part of this celebration, Upper Canada Village also highlighted a new three-piece cultural display at the Discovery Centre admissions area. Created in collaboration with Kanerahti:io (DJ) White, the installation symbolizes continuous growth, cultural evolution, and the enduring vibrancy of Indigenous peoples.
The display features key symbolic colours, white, representing the path from darkness, and purple, symbolizing wisdom and connection. Visitors can explore a variety of meaningful objects throughout the display, as well as powerful representations of the five clans from Akwesasne: Bear, Wolf, Turtle, Deer, and Snipe. These clans play central roles in many traditional stories, including the Creation Story and the Tree of Life. With textures, colours, and natural elements drawn from Indigenous storytelling traditions, the exhibit invites visitors to reflect on their own connection to the land, heritage, and history.
“As a living history site welcoming thousands of visitors each season, we recognize the importance of meaningful representation, cultural awareness, and building strong community connections,” said Tracey Ogilby, Manager of Upper Canada Village. “This display is one step in our continued journey to amplify Indigenous voices, foster deeper understanding, and honour stories that have shaped, and continue to shape, this land.”
The new exhibit will remain open and accessible to all visitors throughout the season at the Discovery Centre.
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is grateful to Kanerahti:io White and Rise Up Studio for their collaboration and leadership in developing this installation and for sharing their culture through art, performance, and community engagement.
Media Contact:
Amanda Liebeck
Communications & Media Relations Officer
St. Lawrence Parks Commission