Reawakening: Stories from the People of the Longhouse

This year, Reawakening returns with an evening steeped in sounds, stories and wonder, featuring a two-part experience.

The evening will begin in circle and then take guests on a guided trail walk featuring the sounds and songs from 2024’s Sounds from the Forest sonic audio tour of the Cataract Trail at Ball’s Falls. For the first 40 minutes, guests will be immersed in the rich natural and cultural heritage of Niagara as we walk the trails within the treasured Carolinian Forest along the Twenty Mile Creek. Guests can tune in to the sonic trail through their smart phone device and headset, or listen to the projected sounds, shared by experienced interpreters. The walk will include stops along the trail to take in the magnificence of the forest and learn more about the natural world, listen to the sounds of the land with interactive teachings by Elders and knowledge keepers along the way. As you walk along ancient trails, you will gain insight into the natural world, the deep history of the lands, and the wisdom passed down through generations.

Following the guided walk, guests will come together around the fire, to hear Stories from the People of the Longhouse as told by master storyteller, Perry Ground. With vivid descriptions, engaging narratives, and a dynamic stage presence, Perry weaves together history, humor, and audience participation to share centuries-old teachings. Through these legends, listeners of all ages will gain a greater understanding of Haudenosaunee customs, beliefs, and ways of knowing. Each moment will offer an opportunity to reflect on Indigenous histories, consider the future and next seven generations, and the legacies that bind us to the Natural World, reminding us of the responsibilities and gifts we share.

About Perry Ground:

Perry Ground is a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. Perry has been a storyteller and educator for over 25 years and enjoys working with people of all ages to teach about the history & culture of Native Peoples.

Maximum Capacity:

• 50 participants (space is limited)
• Tickets are required

Accessibility:

• The majority of the evening will be accessible, however, the first 40 minutes will include a guided trail walk on natural trails, which have rocks, roots and may be slippery/uneven.
• Trail difficulty is rated Easy-Moderate
• Please come prepared with appropriate footwear for walking on the trail

How to Prepare:

• Please bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket for Stories by the Fire, all programming will take place outdoors.
• Please be prepared for an evening outside, including walking on natural and uneven trails.
• Guests may choose to bring along a smart phone device and headset to enjoy the sonic sounds from the forest on the guided audio tour.
• The guided trail walk will include projected audio for those who do not bring their own device & headset.

Important Information:

• In case of inclement weather, ticket holders will be notified by email and/or phone in advance as soon as possible before the event start time regarding cancellation or postponement.