Indigenous Winter Market on this weekend

Last year’s Indigenous Winter Market, organized by Kanehsatà:ke Tourism, was an instant classic, and this year’s slate of vendors, activities, and performances is once again chock-full of cultural highlights.

The second annual market takes place this weekend at Oka Park, giving more than 40 Indigenous vendors a chance to show off their wares to big crowds of holiday shoppers.

“It is essential for everyone, particularly the youth, to have access to economic opportunities that extend beyond the conventional offerings,” said Kanesatake tourism officer Jasmin Gunn. “Uplifting and highlighting Indigenous businesses can help preserve traditional arts, crafts, and cultural expressions through visibility."

Some artisans will facilitate workshops, while there will also be smoke dancers, concerts by Indigenous musicians, and traditional foods.

“Tourism’s goal is to connect people and communities,” said Gunn. “Last year was very successful in doing so, and we want to have something sustainable that the community can really count on to showcase their art and performances.”

The musical talent boasts quite a few familiar faces this year, including Kaheró:ton, Kane Montour, Caira Karihwenháwi Nicholas, and traditional songs by Kontirennotátie - Kanehsatà:ke Traditional Women Singers.

SiiBii, a popular singer-songwriter from the Cree Nation of Mistissini, and Moe Clark, a Metis singer-poet, will also be performing, among others.

Meanwhile, Kanehsata'kehró:non giving workshops include Kaysun Oke, who will teach woodburning, and Travis Gabriel, who will talk about the history of lacrosse and snow snake. Dina Filippelli of Wolf Crafts will teach people how to create beaded loom bracelets.

Kanehsata’kehró:non Karonhienhawe Nicholas will be offering tattoos, and the whole event will be broadcast live by Reviving Kanehsatà:ke Radio 101.7 FM.

There will also be plenty of food and drink to choose from.

“Participating in the Indigenous Winter Market is a wonderful opportunity for us to share and showcase Indigenous cultures, especially that of the Abenaki people from Odanak,” said Jacques T. Watso, the owner of Café Masko.

“Café Masko is a space for culture reconnection, where every dish and initiative aims to celebrate and share our rich culinary heritage. My products, such as our traditional soup, Sagamité Watso, are rooted in the knowledge passed down through generations in my family.”

Watso said events like this help strengthen ties between nations and play a part in keeping traditions alive.

“We are always excited to collaborate with our Mohawk neighbors and honour traditional alliances, particularly through culinary exchanges,” Watso said.

The offerings are sure to be a hit with market-goers.

“I got goosebumps when I saw the menu,” said community member Tess Lalonde, who will have a booth at this year’s edition.

She is especially looking forward to tasting the cedar tea that will be available at the event.

“It's rare we get to see traditional foods.”

Lalonde, a seamstress who is Dakota Sioux and a long-time resident of Kanesatake, will be selling Inuit-style mitts, which she learned to make in Iqaluit, coin purses, and other items.

“I’m a seamstress here and I’m well known as a seamstress. A lot of people come to see me. It’s not enough to live on, just repairs and stuff like that. It’s not enough. But to be able to do crafts in between and then when these events come up, like the powwow, that’s also a great place also to sell the crafts,” said Lalonde.

“My sewing is what I’ve been doing all my life.”

The market comes as Kanehsatà:ke Tourism is getting the word out about its new branding, even launching a new logo.

“It became clear that it was the right time to define ourselves as a tourism team and remind the world of our history from our perspective,” said tourism development officer Caira Karihwenháwi Nicholas.

“Bringing both the branding and the winter market concept to life has been incredibly rewarding. Involving the community throughout this process has been essential, helping us ensure that our efforts reflect our collective vision.”

She said after three years of work, the department is beginning to see the fruits of its labour.

“My hope is that, one day, our team will have its own office, and our logo will be proudly displayed by local businesses and community members in Kanesatake, symbolizing the hard work and dedication of our team and the community as a whole.”

The Indigenous Winter Market begins with an opening ceremony this evening, December 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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