Based on the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, Her Moccasins Talk (HMT) enables Artpark visitors to become one with the natural world in a uniquely immersive way.

Curated by Indigenous bridge builder Michele-Elise Burnett and featuring local First Nations Knowledge Keepers, storytellers, and singers, HMT takes parkgoers through a mindful journey that will let them experience the landscape through an Indigenous lens -- guided by the nurturing matriarch's voice and carried along by inspirational songs and sounds.

The path along the Mighty Niagara will help guests look inward, rediscover themselves and reflect on the harmony and balance of all living things.

Featured performers and contributors:

Semiah Smith - The Thanksgiving Address
Jordan Smith - Old Moccasins, Women’s Dance Song, Old Fish Dance, Shake the Bush song
Gary Parker - Friendship Dance, Rabbit Dance Song, Elm Flute Song, Cedar Flute, Round Dance Song for the Ancestors
Strong Water - Women Love Song, Niibi Water Song by Grandmother Josephine, Wensiiryo by Niiki Shawana, Snake Medicine by Val King, The Eagle Song gifted by Odemin Kwe Singers, Unity Stomp Dance, Cherokee Morning Song, The Longest Yard
Adrian Harjo - Drum and Jingle Song, Honor Song for the Natural World
Josie and Cherie - Believe, Josie Balance Song, Cherie’s Health Healing Song, Kaie:ri by Bear Fox
Quinna Hamby -Tuscarora Water Song
Carin Jean White - Earth Song
Darryl Tomeh Tuscarora - Flute Bridge
Michele-Elise Burnett - (spoken narrative throughout)

The Buffalo News’ Jeff Miers had this to say after experiencing Sonic Trails: 

“In a flash, I felt the power of the land and the presence of those who had passed through it. Not in some Hallmark Channel, neatly wrapped-with-a-bow manner. But through a strong and deep mini-epiphany that was both exhilarating and profoundly sad.”

Available daily from dawn until dusk until December 3rd.

Download the FREE Artpark Sonic Trails app now!

Due to the amount of music contained within the experience we recommend downloading this app before you arrive at Artpark.

To enjoy your experience for Her Moccasins Talk, please begin at Artpark's Upper Trail (entrance near the Outdoor Amphitheater).

Click for park map
 

Click here to see all Sonic Trails experiences available this year.

About Michele-Elise Burnett ...

Michele-Elise Burnett, Métis/Algonquin, Bear Clan, is President of Kakekalanicks, an Indigenous arts and consultancy company which educates, enlightens and entertains broad audiences through the promotion of Indigenous art and artists. Ms. Burnett is the co-founder of Landscape of Nations 360°, a unique Indigenous education and tourism initiative. She is Creator and Artistic Director of the Celebration of Nations and the Artistic Producer of Artpark’s Annual Strawberry Moon Festival, both of which provide a far-reaching platform for the community to embrace and honour the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of Indigenous peoples. Ms. Burnett has recently been part of multiple large and meaningful art installations and memorials in various capacities including: the Landscape of Nations Commemorative Memorial in Queenston Ont, the Curtain Call installation at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines Ont, the Native American Peace Garden at Artpark, and, launching this May, the Indigenous Site Reactive Audio Journey for Artpark’s trails.

Michele-Elise serves or has served on many Boards and committees where she provides the Inidgenous lens as a way to build stronger cross-cultural relations for a shared future. These include the Board of Trustees for Brock University, the Board of Ridley College, the Aboriginal Education Council (Co-Chair, Brock U), the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games Board, the Indigenous Partnership Council for the Canada Games (Chair), and the Indigenous Health Conference 2020 (Co-Chair, University of Toronto). Ms. Burnett is a graduate of the Ryerson University School of Radio and Television Arts. She and her mother were the first Indigenous people in Canada to be granted private broadcasting licenses by the CRTC. Together, they owned and operated Spirit 91.7 FM, the most powerful radio signal in the Niagara Region. In 2018, she was the recipient of the Culture Arts Award from the GNCC Women in Niagara for her success and contributions to the community, and in 2020 was recognized as one of Welland Historical Muesum’s Notable People in their virtual tour.