By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
On Sunday afternoon, Central Park became a vibrant center of Indigenous culture during this year’s Sakihiwe Festival. The free event featured music, art, fashion, and heritage activities for inner city communities. Festival director Alan Greyeyes told CTV News, "Our goal is to help Indigenous and newcomer families in these neighborhoods access the arts, ensuring they experience the same benefits and joy as others in the city."
Sakihiwe, meaning 'to love' in Cree, began on Friday night at the Burton Cummings Theatre with performances by Northside Baby and Joey Stylez. The festival continued at the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday before taking over Central Park on Sunday.
Greyeyes emphasized the importance of sharing cultures between Indigenous and newcomer families to foster unity and challenge stereotypes. He stated, "The more communities come together, the safer they become."
Sunday’s events featured performances by First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and Indigenous artists. Greyeyes noted that the festival serves as a launch pad for Indigenous artists, providing their first performance opportunities and teaching them about the music industry's business aspects. "By teaching them these basics, the idea is to help them make music their full time career," he said.
The festival also included an Indigenous marketplace, a free barbeque, and activity stations for children. Greyeyes stressed the importance of children's participation in the arts, highlighting the positive impact on mental health. "Access to the arts is crucial for these kids," he explained.