Latest news with #Anishinaabemowin
Winnipeg Free Press
22-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre unveiled
Kyra Wilson faced a steep learning curve when she became an entrepreneur four years ago. 'Within the first two years, I really learned what not to do as a business owner,' she said. 'If this entrepreneurship centre was here, then I would have been able to receive that support on what I should have done initially.' Wilson, now grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, relayed the story Wednesday morning during her remarks at the grand opening of the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre in Winnipeg. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press The Treaty One Development Corp.-created WTEC is Canada's first fully Indigenous-led business incubator. Its space on the fifth floor of the Wawanesa Building in Winnipeg is currently being renovated. It will temporarily operate out of the eight floor until work is done. An initiative of Treaty One Development Corp., the centre is Canada's first fully Indigenous-led business incubator. Indigenous people have many great ideas and entrepreneurial gifts, Wilson said. 'When we're supported and we're guided on that path then … many barriers are removed and we're able to be successful in that journey.' Located in Wawanesa Insurance's former executive office at 191 Broadway, the centre will be a place where Indigenous entrepreneurs can access capital, legal and financial guidance, mentorship, marketing support and business connections. During her remarks, Kathleen BlueSky, chief executive officer of both Treaty One Development Corp. and the new centre, noted the WTEC's proximity to The Forks. 'The first international trade centre in Canada and it was led by First Nations people,' she said. 'This really is about coming back to the roots of what economic development means from an Indigenous perspective and providing the resources, the supports, the partnerships for people to be successful.' The purpose of the centre is to support the next generation of business leaders, she added. 'It's a place that's built by us, for us and that is fundamental to empowerment and self-determination.' Wiitahnookiinitaw tahshkayzing are Anishinaabemowin words meaning 'working together to succeed' — a reminder of the strength that lies in community and collaboration, BlueSky said. In addition to the Winnipeg office, WTEC is setting up two satellite entrepreneurship hubs: one in southern Manitoba in Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation and the other in the North in collaboration with Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. WTEC will focus on working with Manitobans initially, BlueSky said, but the intent is to eventually make it available to entrepreneurs from across Canada. BlueSky anticipates the centre will work with 20 to 30 entrepreneurs in its first year, expanding to 100 or 200 'in the next couple of years.' WTEC is a collaboration between Treaty One Development Corp. and more than 15 government, academic and industry partners. The centre has received $750,000 in investments thus far from public and private sponsors, including $500,000 from the provincial government through its Indigenous Economic Development Fund. The Manitoba government is proud to support the centre and looks forward to the legacy it will create for generations to come, said Ian Bushie, minister of natural resources and Indigenous futures. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Kathleen BlueSky, CEO of Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre, Canada's first Indigenous-led entrepreneurship centre. 'Today is historic,' Bushie said. 'I'm not sharing any secrets when I talk about the economic horsepower in Indigenous communities because it truly is there.' The centre's partners include Wawanesa, which is contributing mentorship, networking support, programming collaboration, financial support and the use of its building. 'When we moved into our new headquarters just a few blocks away, we wanted to use this building to benefit our community and work with corporations and organizations to bring more people and teams downtown,' said Gord Dowhan, senior vice-president and chief financial officer at Wawanesa. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'There's no doubt in our minds that WTEC is the perfect fit to see this building transformed into a hub where Indigenous entrepreneurs can grow, connect and thrive in an incredible, meaningful way.' Other partners contributing financial support, programming collaboration and expertise include Red Leaf Capital, Deloitte, Bockstael Construction, the University of Manitoba's Asper School of Business and the Winnipeg Airports Authority. WTEC is currently renovating a 5,000-square-foot space on the fifth floor of 191 Broadway. Once completed, it will feature a boardroom, meeting room, open work area and offices where entrepreneurs can work and meet with advisers and mentors. Until the renovations are complete, the centre is temporarily located on the building's eighth floor. According to the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, more than 50,000 Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada contribute $31 billion to the country's gross domestic product annually. Aaron EppReporter Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Snotty Nose Rez Kids & Aysanabee Headline Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining - A FREE Indigenous Music & Arts Festival in Downtown Toronto
MAY 30-31, 2025 SANKOFA SQUARE TORONTO, May 21, 2025 /CNW/ - With just over a week to go, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), in partnership with Canada's Music Incubator (CMI) and Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square), is thrilled to unveil the full lineup, schedule, and market details for Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining: Indigenous Music & Arts Festival, taking place May 30 and 31, 2025, at Sankofa Square in the heart of downtown Toronto. Gifted the Anishinaabemowin name Kamamooshkaming (kah-ma-moosh-kaa-ming) Sagiiwehwining (sah-gee-way-winning) – meaning "Coming Together in a Good Way" – this FREE, all-ages festival brings together artists, musicians, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members for two days of performances, workshops, and celebration. On Friday, May 30, DWF will welcome schools and youth from across Toronto for a half-day of interactive learning and cultural connection, featuring special performances by DWF Artist Ambassadors. Students will explore various learning stations focused on Indigenous history, language, and culture. The educational experience will set the stage for a weekend of free public concerts, showcasing JUNO Award-winning artists alongside emerging and established Indigenous talent. Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining is funded in part by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). We are grateful to all of our partners and sponsors who have made this event possible, including Emerging Artist Sponsor OLG, Venue & Production Sponsor Sankofa Square, and ReconciliACTION Sponsors Metrolinx and PATTISON Outdoor. "We're honoured to once again collaborate with CMI and Sankofa Square to mark the beginning of Indigenous History Month with Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining. The festival is a powerful reminder of the role that music, art, and coming together can play in moving reconciliation forward. By centring Indigenous voices and experiences, we're strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and creating opportunities for everyone in Canada to learn, reflect, and connect." — Sarah Midanik, President & CEO, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund "Red Music Rising is so excited to play a role in Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining, alongside DWF, CMI and Sankofa Square. What a pleasure to have members of our roster among the incredible talent on offer this year. Chiimiigwetch to all the event partners, sponsors and artists – we can't wait to celebrate with you!" Matt Maw, President, Lead Artist Manager, Red Music Rising "Sankofa Square is delighted to be the gathering place for Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining, a truly meaningful event that embodies the spirit of coming together in a good way. This festival resonates with our commitment to being a vibrant and inclusive public space, and we are proud to be one of the partners on this exciting initiative to showcase the incredible talent and rich culture of Indigenous artists." — Julian Sleath, General Manager, Sankofa Square Join us May 30–31 for Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining at Sankofa Square – where we'll be coming together in a good way with music, art, and education. Visit for artist bios, vendor details, and more. GORD DOWNIE & CHANIE WENJACK FUND Holly Claeys Lead, Marketing and Communications [email protected] | 519-964-0393 ext. 10 CANADA'S MUSIC INCUBATOR Sara Gómez CMI Live Coordinator (and contact for interviews with Sebastian Gaskin) [email protected] SANKOFA SQUARE Marnie Grona Manager, Marketing and Communications [email protected] | 416-979-0060 ext. 125 PARTNER INFORMATION: ABOUT THE GORD DOWNIE AND CHANIE WENJACK FUND: Inspired by Chanie's story and Gord's call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada. ABOUT CANADA'S MUSIC INCUBATOR: Canada's Music Incubator (CMI) is a national not-for-profit organization specializing in professional development, live events, and ongoing mentorship for emerging artists, managers, and music companies. CMI curates live performance opportunities nationally to spotlight artists of all genres, with an emphasis on community, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. ABOUT SANKOFA SQUARE: Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) is a bustling gathering place for millions of visitors each year. Established in 2004, the Square hosts hundreds of diverse events, including community-based festivals, concerts, public art, and commercial experiences. The Square is an open space that welcomes everyone. It is managed by the Sankofa Square Board of Management, a City of Toronto agency. ABOUT FEDDEV ONTARIO: For nearly 16 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada's most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impact the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario's X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Snotty Nose Rez Kids & Aysanabee Headline Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining - A FREE Indigenous Music & Arts Festival in Downtown Toronto
MAY 30-31, 2025SANKOFA TORONTO, May 21, 2025 /CNW/ - With just over a week to go, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), in partnership with Canada's Music Incubator (CMI) and Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square), is thrilled to unveil the full lineup, schedule, and market details for Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining: Indigenous Music & Arts Festival, taking place May 30 and 31, 2025, at Sankofa Square in the heart of downtown Toronto. Gifted the Anishinaabemowin name Kamamooshkaming (kah-ma-moosh-kaa-ming) Sagiiwehwining (sah-gee-way-winning) – meaning "Coming Together in a Good Way" – this FREE, all-ages festival brings together artists, musicians, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members for two days of performances, workshops, and celebration. ARTIST LINEUP SNOTTY NOSE REZ KIDS ⧫ AYSANABEETIA WOOD ⧫ SEBASTIAN GASKIN ⧫ DRIVES THE COMMON MANJULIAN TAYLOR ⧫ SHAWNEE KISHREUBEN AND THE BULLHORN SINGERSTHEA MAY ⧫ DJ CLASSIC ROOTS ⧫ NOELLE ⧫ ILA BARKERWITH HOST THELAND KICKNOSWAY ARTISAN MARKET VENDORS RIKSWORKS ⧫ NEECHI BY NATURE ⧫ PACHA INDIGENOUS ART COLLECTIONBEADWORK BY NANCY AND FAMILY ⧫ TREY ROBINSON ART WORKSNISH BISH DESIGNS ⧫ INDIGENOUS BIJOUX ⧫ LITTLE WIGGLY ARTPRE&PERI ⧫ 2-SPIRITED PEOPLE OF THE 1ST NATIONS ⧫ PETER BIDGETTY ART On Friday, May 30, DWF will welcome schools and youth from across Toronto for a half-day of interactive learning and cultural connection, featuring special performances by DWF Artist Ambassadors. Students will explore various learning stations focused on Indigenous history, language, and culture. The educational experience will set the stage for a weekend of free public concerts, showcasing JUNO Award-winning artists alongside emerging and established Indigenous talent. Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining is funded in part by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). We are grateful to all of our partners and sponsors who have made this event possible, including Emerging Artist Sponsor OLG, Venue & Production Sponsor Sankofa Square, and ReconciliACTION Sponsors Metrolinx and PATTISON Outdoor. "We're honoured to once again collaborate with CMI and Sankofa Square to mark the beginning of Indigenous History Month with Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining. The festival is a powerful reminder of the role that music, art, and coming together can play in moving reconciliation forward. By centring Indigenous voices and experiences, we're strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and creating opportunities for everyone in Canada to learn, reflect, and connect." — Sarah Midanik, President & CEO, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund "Red Music Rising is so excited to play a role in Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining, alongside DWF, CMI and Sankofa Square. What a pleasure to have members of our roster among the incredible talent on offer this year. Chiimiigwetch to all the event partners, sponsors and artists – we can't wait to celebrate with you!" Matt Maw, President, Lead Artist Manager, Red Music Rising "Sankofa Square is delighted to be the gathering place for Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining, a truly meaningful event that embodies the spirit of coming together in a good way. This festival resonates with our commitment to being a vibrant and inclusive public space, and we are proud to be one of the partners on this exciting initiative to showcase the incredible talent and rich culture of Indigenous artists."— Julian Sleath, General Manager, Sankofa Square Join us May 30–31 for Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining at Sankofa Square – where we'll be coming together in a good way with music, art, and education. Visit for artist bios, vendor details, and more. MEDIA CONTACTSPlease note: At this time, only English-speaking artists are available for interviews. GORD DOWNIE & CHANIE WENJACK FUNDHolly ClaeysLead, Marketing and Communicationsholly@ | 519-964-0393 ext. 10 CANADA'S MUSIC INCUBATORSara GómezCMI Live Coordinator (and contact for interviews with Sebastian Gaskin)sara@ SANKOFA SQUAREMarnie Grona Manager, Marketing and Communicationsmarnie@ | 416-979-0060 ext. 125 PARTNER INFORMATION:ABOUT THE GORD DOWNIE AND CHANIE WENJACK FUND: Inspired by Chanie's story and Gord's call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada. ABOUT CANADA'S MUSIC INCUBATOR: Canada's Music Incubator (CMI) is a national not-for-profit organization specializing in professional development, live events, and ongoing mentorship for emerging artists, managers, and music companies. CMI curates live performance opportunities nationally to spotlight artists of all genres, with an emphasis on community, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. ABOUT SANKOFA SQUARE: Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) is a bustling gathering place for millions of visitors each year. Established in 2004, the Square hosts hundreds of diverse events, including community-based festivals, concerts, public art, and commercial experiences. The Square is an open space that welcomes everyone. It is managed by the Sankofa Square Board of Management, a City of Toronto agency. ABOUT FEDDEV ONTARIO: For nearly 16 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada's most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impact the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario's X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts SOURCE The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Toronto Star
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Manito Ahbee: Manitoba powwow, one of North America's largest, celebrates 20 years
WINNIPEG - For many familiar with Canada's powwow scene, Maggie White is known as the first lady of the jingle dress. The late Anishinaabe woman earned the title after popularizing the jingle dress regalia and dance style at powwows in the late 1960s to the early 1980s. In the years since, the dance, known as a healing dance, has become an official category at powwows. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW White's family is honouring the matriarch and the jingle dress at this year's 20th anniversary of the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg, one of the largest powwows in North America. Jocelyn White says it's hard to put into words what it means to pay tribute to the legacy of her grandmother. 'I (am) excited. I (am) happy that we're able to do this at such a big venue to honour our kokum,' she said from her home on the Naotkamegwanning First Nation in northwestern Ontario. At the powwow festival, the family is set to host a jingle dress special called 'Honouring the Shiibaashka'igan,' which translates to jingle dress in Anishinaabemowin. A special is a separate contest during a powwow usually sponsored by an individual, family member or organization. There are different oral histories of the origins of the jingle dress dating back to the early 20th century. Maggie White's story stems from when she became ill as a young girl. Her grandfather dreamed of a special dress for her adorned with shiny metal cones. When she wore it and danced, it helped cure her ailments. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Attending Manito Ahbee has been a longtime White family tradition, and Jocelyn White has been going since it started in downtown Winnipeg. She has watched her nieces dance and listened as men in her family performed with the Whitefish Bay Singers, a drum group founded by her father and an uncle. 'I was always so proud ... when you hear the music, it gives you a good feeling,' she said. It's this pride of culture, family and traditions that prompted organizers to start Manito Ahbee two decades ago. A group of Indigenous people in Winnipeg, including the festival's current executive director, Lisa Meeches, came together to develop the festival after discussing the need for an event to showcase First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures that could also be an inclusive place for all. Derek Hart has been involved with the three-day festival since day one, as the owner of a company that oversees security. He has also taken on roles with the event's education and logistics teams. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'I remember that first year. It was a bit of a concern because nobody had bought tickets ahead of time. But once the festival got going and the powwow ... it was a good turnout,' Hart said. 'It was just a really proud moment to see the festival start.' Manito Ahbee has also evolved. It used to line up with the Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards, now known as the Indigenous Music Awards, before it moved to the summer. It now takes place on the May long weekend. There have also been different venues and, in recent years, it has settled at Red River Exhibition Park at the edge of the city. Programming changed as feedback came in from attendees. This year's event includes a teepee-raising contest, a fashion show and speeches from youth leaders. There's also a marketplace with food and retail vendors. One of the festival's mainstays has been the crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee. The title was created to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and is awarded to a girl each year. Grace Redhead, who has been with the festival for the past 12 years, got her start with the Miss Manito Ahbee ambassador program. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'The crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee is really emotional to see,' said Redhead. Contestants go through a rigorous adjudication process, demonstrating leadership skills and knowledge about the missing and murdered. Former ambassadors have gone on to become authors, educators and musicians. Redhead's current role as powwow manager has her organizing the festival's main attraction — the powwow, which draws hundreds of dancers each year. There's typically 'chaos,' she said, while making sure everyone is in their positions for the kickoff, also known as the grand entry. 'It's a really nice moment once everything's going and you see all the hard work come together,' said Redhead. Running a festival of this size is no easy feat. It requires the help of managers and volunteers, many of them newcomers looking to learn more about the First Peoples of this land. The festival has made it a priority to work with immigrant and newcomer organizations. On Sunday, it's holding a citizenship ceremony for the first time. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'There's so many people that come, and it's not just Indigenous people. It's people of different nationalities just coming to participate,' said Hart. As the festival heads into its next 20 years, Hart and Redhead say they're most excited to pass on the torch to the next generation of organizers. 'I have no worries about the next 20 years,' said Redhead. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Manito Ahbee: Manitoba powwow, one of North America's largest, celebrates 20 years
WINNIPEG - For many familiar with Canada's powwow scene, Maggie White is known as the first lady of the jingle dress. The late Anishinaabe woman earned the title after popularizing the jingle dress regalia and dance style at powwows in the late 1960s to the early 1980s. In the years since, the dance, known as a healing dance, has become an official category at powwows. White's family is honouring the matriarch and the jingle dress at this year's 20th anniversary of the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg, one of the largest powwows in North America. Jocelyn White says it's hard to put into words what it means to pay tribute to the legacy of her grandmother. 'I (am) excited. I (am) happy that we're able to do this at such a big venue to honour our kokum,' she said from her home on the Naotkamegwanning First Nation in northwestern Ontario. At the powwow festival, the family is set to host a jingle dress special called 'Honouring the Shiibaashka'igan,' which translates to jingle dress in Anishinaabemowin. A special is a separate contest during a powwow usually sponsored by an individual, family member or organization. There are different oral histories of the origins of the jingle dress dating back to the early 20th century. Maggie White's story stems from when she became ill as a young girl. Her grandfather dreamed of a special dress for her adorned with shiny metal cones. When she wore it and danced, it helped cure her ailments. Attending Manito Ahbee has been a longtime White family tradition, and Jocelyn White has been going since it started in downtown Winnipeg. She has watched her nieces dance and listened as men in her family performed with the Whitefish Bay Singers, a drum group founded by her father and an uncle. 'I was always so proud ... when you hear the music, it gives you a good feeling,' she said. It's this pride of culture, family and traditions that prompted organizers to start Manito Ahbee two decades ago. A group of Indigenous people in Winnipeg, including the festival's current executive director, Lisa Meeches, came together to develop the festival after discussing the need for an event to showcase First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures that could also be an inclusive place for all. Derek Hart has been involved with the three-day festival since day one, as the owner of a company that oversees security. He has also taken on roles with the event's education and logistics teams. 'I remember that first year. It was a bit of a concern because nobody had bought tickets ahead of time. But once the festival got going and the powwow ... it was a good turnout,' Hart said. 'It was just a really proud moment to see the festival start.' Manito Ahbee has also evolved. It used to line up with the Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards, now known as the Indigenous Music Awards, before it moved to the summer. It now takes place on the May long weekend. There have also been different venues and, in recent years, it has settled at Red River Exhibition Park at the edge of the city. Programming changed as feedback came in from attendees. This year's event includes a teepee-raising contest, a fashion show and speeches from youth leaders. There's also a marketplace with food and retail vendors. One of the festival's mainstays has been the crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee. The title was created to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and is awarded to a girl each year. Grace Redhead, who has been with the festival for the past 12 years, got her start with the Miss Manito Ahbee ambassador program. 'The crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee is really emotional to see,' said Redhead. Contestants go through a rigorous adjudication process, demonstrating leadership skills and knowledge about the missing and murdered. Former ambassadors have gone on to become authors, educators and musicians. Redhead's current role as powwow manager has her organizing the festival's main attraction — the powwow, which draws hundreds of dancers each year. There's typically 'chaos,' she said, while making sure everyone is in their positions for the kickoff, also known as the grand entry. 'It's a really nice moment once everything's going and you see all the hard work come together,' said Redhead. Running a festival of this size is no easy feat. It requires the help of managers and volunteers, many of them newcomers looking to learn more about the First Peoples of this land. The festival has made it a priority to work with immigrant and newcomer organizations. On Sunday, it's holding a citizenship ceremony for the first time. 'There's so many people that come, and it's not just Indigenous people. It's people of different nationalities just coming to participate,' said Hart. As the festival heads into its next 20 years, Hart and Redhead say they're most excited to pass on the torch to the next generation of organizers. 'I have no worries about the next 20 years,' said Redhead. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2025.
