Planet IndigenUS, the ten-day multidisciplinary celebration of contemporary international Indigenous culture with events at Harbourfront Centre, Woodland Cultural Centre (WCC) in Brantford and at partner institutions around Toronto and the region is taking place from August 10-19.
This year, the festival will showcase some great music, dance, food, visual arts and film events. Below is a list of events or shows definitely worth checking out.
Celebrating the Crossroads Opening Night Spectacle – Friday, Aug 10, 7pm
The festival begins with a great line up of performances including artists like Fara Palmer, Dallas Arcand and award-winning hip hop artist Plex. The event hosts are Wab Kinew and Sarah Podemski.
Hanggai – Saturday, Aug 11, 3pm
This Mongolian folk/punk ensemble blend traditional Mongolian folk sounds and instruments with modern punk rock styles. Need we say more?
A Tribe Called Red – Saturday, Aug 11, 11pm
DJ Bear Witness, DJ NDN and DJ Snub form A Tribe Called Red… with their mix of traditional drums, urban beats and Jamaican dub this group is sure to get the crowd on their feet. They were also shortlisted for the Polaris Prize this year; a definite must-see.
Whale Rider – Wednesday, Aug 15, 9pm
This Oscar-nominated film screens as part of Harbourfront Centre’s Free Flicks series. This family-friendly story focuses on a young girl in New Zealand who struggles to be a chief and who doesn’t feel she’s ‘entitled’ to such honour. A very endearing story.
imagineNATIVE indigiFLIX: Music is the Medicine – Thursday, Aug 16, 8pm
Music is the Medicine is a documentary about Derek Miller; it follows Miller as he continues on the next level in his career. The film also screened at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival this year.
Music Is The Medicine Trailer from Make Believe Media on Vimeo.
Susuriwka – Willow Bridge – Friday to Sunday, Aug 17-19
Kaha:wi Dance Theatre in partnership with Yokohama Noh Theater bring us this North American premiere, which explores the connection between Iroquois and Ainu song and dance.
For those near Brantford events at the Woodland Cultural Centre include performances by Susan Aglukark, Joel Johnson, and lots more. For a full list of events, go HERE. In addition to WCC, there are plenty of events taking place throughout the city organized by various partners. Some which include:
Film screenings at the TIFF Bell Lightbox – First Peoples Cinema: 1500 Nations
Complimentary Guided Tours by the Museum of Inuit Art
Red Runners Exhibition at the Bata Shoe Museum
Planet IndigenUS at the Toronto Public Library – Spadina Road & Morningside Branches
With over 300 artists over 10 days, there is plenty to see and experience. For more information on the artists and schedule times, visit the Planet IndigenUS site HERE.