FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Gathering of the Good Minds

since May 6, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Gathering of the Good Minds: A Celebration of Native Arts, Wisdom and Culture

IN JEOPARDY DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING

2005 was to mark the third Gathering of the Good Minds festival. Previously the Gathering of the Good Minds was held in 2001 and 2003 and again, this year. This three-day festival features First Nations Elders, traditional teachers, artists, dancers, singers, storytellers, filmmakers, writers and comedians to entertain and inform Native and non-Native audiences alike. 2005 also marks the 150th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City of London.

Centuries before the European settlers arrived, the Iroquois and
Algonquin nations called the area that became known as Forest City or London home.The traditional name for the territory was "Deshkan Ziibii" which means 'Horn/Antler River' in the Anishnawbe language. When the settlers arrived they were welcomed and indeed, their survival in this new country was often dependent upon the friendship and guidance of the First Nations people. This year’s Gathering of the Good Minds was to have
provided an important component to the 150th anniversary by showing who the original people of the Forest City were, and the important role they played, and still have, within the area.

Sadly however no funds have been forthcoming to support this worthy endeavour. The City of London is not supporting this important festival. Letters of rejection were received from the London Community oundation, and the London Arts Council. Likewise grant applications from Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Arts Council have been turned down. To hold a so-called anniversary celebration without the presence of the area’s original peoples is to negate the importance, perhaps even the existence,
of the First Nations population who call London home. And without sponsors and advocates to support this significant event the Gathering will not be able to proceed – despite the dedication and commitment of its many, many volunteers.

Now is the time for the people of London to support the First Nations people of the area, to advocate for their presence in the celebrations and for their part of the story of the history of London to be told. Without that, these celebrations will not only be incomplete, they will be false.

For media contact or to provide support for the Gathering, please contact:

Dan Smoke - Asayenes
#61-1290 Sandford St.
LONDON, Ontario N5V 3Y2
5l9 659-4682
dsmoke@uwo.ca