Latest news with #NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay
Montreal Gazette
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Montreal Gazette
Brownstein: Against long odds, Denis Brott brings chamber music fest back for 30th year
Denis Brott is nothing if not resilient. Against the longest of odds, Brott kicks off his 30th Montreal Chamber Music Festival this weekend. More than 40 acclaimed classical musicians from around the planet will partake in this anniversary edition, which runs from Saturday until June 22 and features 15 concerts, mostly taking place at Salle Bourgie. 'We're celebrating celebrations this year with some special concerts: National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War (June 18), the 40th anniversary of the establishment of this country's Musical Instrument Bank (June 16) and, of course, our 30th anniversary, among other celebrations,' notes the ever-upbeat Brott, the festival's founder and artistic director and also the co-founder, along with William Turner, of the Musical Instrument Bank. But Brott doesn't mince words in talking about the issues, hardly celebratory, he has confronted over the last 30 years — particularly in the last five years: 'It's been quite the roller-coaster ride — and not always a good one.' To say the least. Although it's hard to imagine this Renaissance man — also a master cellist and music professor — ever embarking on a roller-coaster ride, the analogy is apt. But many would argue it's downright miraculous that he has managed to keep this festival afloat at all, let alone attracting the world-class talent he has this year. It was just five years ago that physicians gave Brott little chance of survival — less than 10 per cent — after returning home from a series of European concerts. One of the earlier victims of COVID-19, Brott was to spend 32 days in an induced coma on a ventilator. His prognosis was grim, having endured all manner of infections, liver and kidney failure, not to mention terrifying hallucinations. Even after undergoing much physio following his release from hospital, it took him many months to play his cello again, let alone to simply pick it up. While still dealing with some lingering COVID issues, Brott was picking up the pieces of his life when tragedy struck in April 2022. His older brother, Boris Brott, 78, a world-renowned maestro, died in a freakish accident after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run while walking in Hamilton, Ont. Boris, the artistic director and conductor of the Orchestre classique de Montréal, had also been the director of Hamilton's National Academy Orchestra of Canada and the Brott Music Festival. Needless to say, Denis was crushed and still mourns the passing of his brother. The two brothers hailed from noble musical genes: their mother, Lotte Brott, was a virtuoso cellist while their father, Alexander Brott, was a highly successful violinist/conductor/composer. 'Music has always been a saviour for myself and my family,' Brott says. 'Music has transcended everything for us. What I do is not a job — even though I do three jobs as a professor (at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal), a cellist and running the festival — it's my life.' But Brott acknowledges that he is also dealing with a music world that is topsy-turvy, one where some will pay thousands of dollars to catch Taylor Swift in concert and many hundreds to check out singers a few rungs below her. He concedes that his festival sales are down 30 per cent from last year — and this is with tickets selling for about $60 on average for adults and $25 for students and children. This year's fest also features seven free concerts. 'You know what the definition of insanity is: I know what I know. I know what I don't know. And I don't know what I don't know. But on top of that is doing things and expecting different results. … I think it was Einstein who said that. 'Yet I can't believe we have done this festival for 30 years with magnificent artists, innovative programming, premières and partnerships and on and on. That's what's exciting to me. That's what gets my juices flowing and makes me feel young and effervescent even as I'm about to turn 75 this year.' Paramount to Brott is bringing this year's seven free concerts to the festival. 'I've been trying to be the Pied Piper of democratizing chamber music,' he says. 'Since COVID, in my way to try to thank all the physicians who saved my life, I started a series of free health and wellness concerts at different hospitals during the year, and we have two such free concerts during this year's festival, both featuring the fantastic Janoska Ensemble from Vienna.' These concerts take place June 10 at noon at The Neuro, the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital on University St., and June 11 at 4:15 p.m. at the CHUM on St-Denis St. Brott is also particularly pumped about Saturday's opening concert, Canadian Concertmasters Unite, at 7 p.m. at Salle Bourgie, a first such collaboration featuring concertmasters from Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton. Not to be outdone is the Jazz and Jeans Family Concert, Sunday at 3:30 p.m. This one, also at Salle Bourgie, showcases Canadian fiddling legends Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy and — count 'em — seven of their offspring playing various instruments on the same stage. But Brott has a special place in his heart for American trumpeter Jens Lindemann, who will be playing in three concerts: Liberation World War II (June 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Salle Bourgie), Concerto Night (June 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Salle Bourgie) and the Oscar Peterson Centennial (June 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Cinquième Salle in Place des Arts). 'Talk about rising from the ashes, Jens's house was torched by these horrible Pacific Palisades fires,' Brott says. 'He only had time to run into his burning home to save his seven trumpets, most of which are made of gold. 'Talk about dealing with the challenges life can throw your way.'
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Indigenous fashion takes centre stage at Southcentre Mall
Article content With National Indigenous History Month underway, a local organization dedicated to celebrating Indigenous creativity, arts and culture has brought a culturally themed fashion exhibit to Calgary's Southcentre Mall. Article content Authentically Indigenous launched its fashion-forward exhibit at the mall Tuesday, featuring outfits created by 10 Indigenous designers from across Canada. Article content Article content Article content The outfits will be on display in the mall's centre court until June 22 — the day after National Indigenous Peoples Day — when the exhibit culminates with a fashion show titled Rez in the City 2.0. The fashion show, which opens at 8 p.m., will see models strut the catwalk while donning the creator's designs. Article content Melrene Saloy-Eaglespeaker, co-founder of Authentically Indigenous, is one of the 10 fashion designers whose work will be on display at the mall this month. The Calgary-based Kainai Nation member's company, Native Diva Creations, combines intricate beadwork with contemporary flair. Article content Article content Another local designer whose work will be featured is Destiny Weasel Fat, who is also a Kainai Nation member. Her pieces aim to empower Indigenous people to reclaim their identity and boost their confidence and cultural pride. Article content Article content Saloy-Eaglespeaker said she took up fashion design five years ago, after previously working in jewelry design, and hasn't looked back. Article content 'I didn't feel that my story was being fully told just by showcasing jewelry,' she said. 'I wanted to really give that full element of who I am, where I come from and the elements that make up who I am. Making an entire garment, head to toe, is (a way) for me to do that.' Article content That sentiment is echoed by the outfits on display at Southcentre Mall, which incorporate fabric, beadwork, and silhouette, with pieces that Saloy-Eaglespeaker said honour traditional Indigenous dress while still embracing modern design. Article content As an example, she cited one designer's conversion of a traditional ribbon skirt into an Indigenized pant suit.
The Province
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Province
Vancouver's park board eyes free access to city's most popular gardens for Indigenous visitors
If approved, daytime admission to VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Bloedel Conservatory would be free for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people starting June 21 — National Indigenous Peoples Day. File photo: Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival's Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen Botanical Garden in April 2022. Photo by Francis Georgian / PNG The Vancouver park board will soon decide whether to make two of the city's most iconic green spaces free to visit for all Indigenous people. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors At its upcoming meeting on June 2, the board will consider a proposed initiative that would grant complimentary daytime admission to VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Bloedel Conservatory. If approved, the change will take effect on June 21 — National Indigenous Peoples Day. 'Any individual who self-identifies as Indigenous, First Nations, Métis or Inuit when they visit VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory during daytime operating hours will be offered complimentary admission,' the park board staff report states. Rooted in the principles of Truth and Reconciliation, the proposal draws on the park board's 11 reconciliation strategies and aligns with the City of Vancouver's UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) plan. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'For the Vancouver park board, truth and reconciliation is more than a ceremonial acknowledgment of these territories,' the report continues. 'It's an opportunity to learn the true history of Vancouver and acknowledge the unjust treatment of the people whose lands we occupy.' Admission to the 22-hectare VanDusen garden, located in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood, varies between $5.35 and $15.05, based on the season and the visitor's age. For the conservatory, perched atop Little Mountain in Queen Elizabeth Park, prices range from $4.50 to $9, also depending on age. Children under four enter free of charge at both locations. While the free entry would apply only during regular daytime hours and exclude events like the Festival of Lights, staff say the policy's financial impact on admission revenue will be minimal at both sites. A point-of-sale tracking system will be introduced to monitor its use. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If adopted, the measure would bring VanDusen and Bloedel in line with a growing list of Canadian institutions offering free admission to Indigenous visitors. In Vancouver, these include Science World, the Museum of Anthropology at U.B.C., the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the Museum of Vancouver, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Across the country, major institutions such as the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, and the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton have implemented similar policies. These efforts are part of a broader movement to uphold Indigenous cultural rights and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The park board report says the proposal aligns with the park board's mission of decolonization, acknowledging that Vancouver's parks are more than just public amenities; they are shared spaces on unceded Indigenous land. Offering free access, it notes, is one step toward building better relationships with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and Indigenous peoples across the city. sgrochowski@ Read More News BC Lions Vancouver Whitecaps Local News Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- General
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver's park board eyes free access to city's most popular gardens for Indigenous visitors
The Vancouver park board will soon decide whether to make two of the city's most iconic green spaces free to visit for all Indigenous people. At its upcoming meeting on June 2, the board will consider a proposed initiative that would grant complimentary daytime admission to VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Bloedel Conservatory. If approved, the change will take effect on June 21 — National Indigenous Peoples Day. 'Any individual who self-identifies as Indigenous, First Nations, Métis or Inuit when they visit VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory during daytime operating hours will be offered complimentary admission,' the park board staff report states. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Rooted in the principles of Truth and Reconciliation, the proposal draws on the park board's 11 reconciliation strategies and aligns with the City of Vancouver's UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) plan. 'For the Vancouver park board, truth and reconciliation is more than a ceremonial acknowledgment of these territories,' the report continues. 'It's an opportunity to learn the true history of Vancouver and acknowledge the unjust treatment of the people whose lands we occupy.' Admission to the 22-hectare VanDusen garden, located in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood, varies between $5.35 and $15.05, based on the season and the visitor's age. For the conservatory, perched atop Little Mountain in Queen Elizabeth Park, prices range from $4.50 to $9, also depending on age. Children under four enter free of charge at both locations. While the free entry would apply only during regular daytime hours and exclude events like the Festival of Lights, staff say the policy's financial impact on admission revenue will be minimal at both sites. A point-of-sale tracking system will be introduced to monitor its use. If adopted, the measure would bring VanDusen and Bloedel in line with a growing list of Canadian institutions offering free admission to Indigenous visitors. In Vancouver, these include Science World, the Museum of Anthropology at U.B.C., the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the Museum of Vancouver, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Across the country, major institutions such as the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, and the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton have implemented similar policies. These efforts are part of a broader movement to uphold Indigenous cultural rights and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. The park board report says the proposal aligns with the park board's mission of decolonization, acknowledging that Vancouver's parks are more than just public amenities; they are shared spaces on unceded Indigenous land. Offering free access, it notes, is one step toward building better relationships with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and Indigenous peoples across the city. sgrochowski@
Hamilton Spectator
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Inaugural St'át'imc Nation Walk & Run event sign-up goes live
Registration for St'át'imc Nation's first-ever Walk & Run event is now live, with 5k, 10k, half marathon (21.1k), full marathon (42.2k) and double marathon (84.4k) options for participants. All distances will be held on Saturday, June 21 to coincide with National Indigenous Peoples Day. 'It was our running club's idea to have it on Indigenous Peoples Day, to celebrate health and wellness and movement all together,' organizer Ńíkiki Pixémcal previously told Pique. 'We just want to be able to see people out there moving and in our territory.' Registering online before May 30 costs $10. Registering at the event itself will cost $20. Proceeds go toward T-shirts and prizes for participants and cover the cost of rentals and other race equipment. Start times and other race-day information will be emailed to registrants prior to the event. Hydration stations and energy packs will be set up along the route. Start times will vary, depending on the distance, with the goal of getting everyone back to U̓ll̓us around the same time so contenders can commemorate the occasion together as part of the Nation's Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. Prizes, food and celebrations will be waiting for participants. While the event is open to everyone, it's marketed towards Indigenous people as part of the organizers' push to promote health in the Nation. Registration is available online here.
