Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival to Rock Out with The Johnnys June 25

The third annual Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF) presents well-known Ontario rock band, The Johnnys on June 25 in the Nozhem First Peoples’ Performance Space at Trent University.

a performance from last year’s NIFF event. Photo courtesy of the Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival, Facebook.

Founded by spouses Veronica Johnny (lead vocals/ manager/ producer/ writer) and Dave Johnny (drums/producer/writer) the band is known for delivering rowdy, high-energy, humour-filled performances. They’ve played across Canada, been featured on TV and film and shared stages with such luminaries as Geordie Johnson, Bif Naked, Stevie Salas, Bruce Cockburn, Keith Secola & Crystal Shawanda. Veronica’s Cree heritage is reflected in the band’s lyric content, with indigenous influences on topics such as the environment, social justice and political change.

Wrapping up the 2023 Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival is this one night only, all ages welcome, rock show featuring the band. For a sample of their music, visit the link.

“Rock bands are not a traditional Fringe act, but NIFF is not a traditional Fringe, so when Veronica Johnny approached us about applying for a one-night-only slot, we said sure. What a great way to close the festival,” said NIFF general manager Lee Bolton.

As for all other NIFF shows, tickets for The Johnnys are only $12 with all sales going directly to the artist. They are available online now or by cash only at the door depending on availability.

The performance will take place in the Nozhem First Peoples’ Performance Space at Trent University (East Bank) at 9 p.m. on the 25th. Free parking is available in Lot X.

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YMCA of Central East Ontario to Honour Local Peacemaker at Peace Medal Ceremony

On Nov. 24, The YMCA of Central East Ontario is hosting a Peace Medal Ceremony, celebrating a Nogojiwanong community member who has made significant contributions toward peace-building through grassroots efforts.

Photo courtesy of The YMCA of Central East Ontario.

Mkwa Ghiizis (Crystal Hebert) will be honoured at the YMCA Balsillie Family Branch at noon. Mkwa is a 2-spirit water protector, artist and advocate living in the Nogojiwanong community since 2006.

They are the founder of Tweak Easy, a grassroots overdose prevention site. They organize advocacy rallies, vigils and marches, holding events that bring community members and organizations together in finding grassroots solutions to the opioid and homelessness crisis. They focus on low-barrier access to ceremony, medicines and support for those experiencing systemic failures, as well as those engaging in sex work or drug use from an Indigenous Harm Reduction approach.

From Nov. 12 to 19, the YMCA recognizes Peace Week. The YMCA of Central East Ontario, together with other YMCAs across Canada, are celebrating the presence of peace and reflecting on peace-building work that happens through the organization. During YMCA Peace Week they honour those at the forefront of these peace-building efforts.

The YMCA recognizes Mkwa’s work as a voice for those experiencing systemic failures within the community.

“The recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal demonstrates that peace has many dimensions. They show us the importance of building community, where people feel that they belong and are included. Most often their actions started small and grew into something bigger than themselves. That is the power of peace,” says David Allen, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central East Ontario.

To learn more about YMCA Peace Week, click here.

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