Annual community fall fest returns

Under the crackling warmth of an outdoor fire, a young child presses a piece of soft leather between their fingers, learning to sew their very first medicine pouch. Beside them, an elder shares stories of harvests past, while the scent of corn soup and fire-roasted squash floats through the crisp autumn air. This is the heart of the Community Fall Fest a celebration of the harvest, tradition, and the passing of knowledge between generations.

On Saturday, October 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., the Golden Age Club in Kahnawake will host the 2025 Community Fall Fest, organized by Tkà:nios, (It Grows) in collaboration with community partners, including KSCS Prevention, KS Family Wellness, Playground Cares, and HCI, and many community volunteers to bring this event to life.

“It’s a real community effort. Everyone involved has brought their own passion and ideas to the table,” Rice said.

Now in its third year, this grassroots, community-driven festival continues to grow in both size and spirit, welcoming elders, youth, families, and individuals to come together to celebrate the harvest through cultural workshops, traditional foods, live demonstrations, contests, and community connection.

“The Fall Fest is really a celebration to bring together our traditional foodways, our cultural teachings and intergenerational connection all through sharing an amazing meal,” says Brooke Rice, organizer and founder of Tkà:nios. “Food has always been at the centre of who we are as Kanien’kehá:ka, it connects us to the land, to our ancestors, and to each other.”

This year’s cultural workshops and live demonstrations include, lacrosse stick making, war club carving, medicine pouch sewing, clay pinch pot pottery, and Kahstowa making. Workshops are free and open to the public, with registration opening October 16 at 10:00 a.m., and spots are limited. Each of these workshops offers participants a chance to learn by doing, an essential principle of Haudenosaunee knowledge sharing.

“We learn by doing,” says Rice. “It’s about igniting the senses, igniting memory, and passing on traditions by getting your hands involved. It creates mentorship and strengthens our community.”

One highlight is the medicine pouch workshop, led by artist, mother and facilitator Iakorihwatoken Hemlock, who brings both skill and heart to her teaching.

“Making medicine pouches is something I love. It’s fun, healing, and meaningful,” says Hemlock. “As a mother, being able to support myself and my children through something I love, that’s powerful.”

Using leather, sinew, scissors, and needles, participants will craft their own pouches while learning about their cultural significance.

“People leave feeling proud. I’ve had elders who’ve never done a class before walk out holding something they made with joy. That’s what this is about, connection, pride, and learning.”

Beyond workshops, the Fall Fest offers, Smoke Dance Competition (hosted by KSCS Prevention), Contests for Best Pickles, Pumpkin Carving, and Pie Baking, Live cooking demos including hot rock cooking with Andy Ferguson from Onondaga, and Local vendors offering beadwork, porcupine quill art, leather goods, natural medicines, and more.

Food, as always, is central. A community meal will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis with meal tickets handed out at 11:00 a.m. While the final menu is still being confirmed, Rice hints at a creative twist:

“We may serve slow-braised moose tacos and wild rice squash slaw, using our traditional ingredients but with a fun, delicious twist.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own feast bundles, reusable plates, cutlery, and cups, to help reduce waste.

The day will close with the Barter Blanket, a gathering where participants can trade handmade or homegrown goods with no money involved.

“Whether it’s maple syrup, dried fish, or a handmade item, it’s about reconnecting with traditional ways of exchange in a sustainable and fun way,” says Rice.

Over the past three years, the Fall Fest has evolved into a fundamental event for Kahnawake.

“Each year we bring in more hands-on learning, more local knowledge holders, and more families. It’s become a space where people of all ages come together to learn, laugh, and celebrate who we are,” she said. “Attendees should make sure to bring cash, feast bundles, warm clothing, items to trade for the barter blanket, and an open mind and empty stomach.”

“We hope people walk away with laughter, inspiration, and a deeper connection to our culture and to each other,” says Rice. “Let’s plant together, cook together, dance, trade, and remember who we are.”

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