The St. John’s Native Friendship Centre (SJNFC) is proudly presenting the first ever festival celebrating & showcasing Indigenous culture in Newfoundland. The Spirit Song Festival is a two day event, happening this November 7th & 8th.

The idea sprung from a performance hosted at the LSPU Hall two years ago by the SJNFC. The evening was a great success, selling out two consecutive nights, and nearly selling out a third. Friendship Centre Youth Manager Stacey Howse felt that it was time to revive and expand this event, giving way to the festival.

On Saturday, November 7th, the Spirit Song Festival launches with a Gala at the LSPU Hall. The event begins in the Cox & Palmer Second Space with a Mi’kmaq visual art showcase.

Ticket holders will then move to the main hall upstairs for performances by local First Nations Group Wape’k Mui’N, local all-women’s all-nations drum group Eastern Owl, a reunion performance by Inuit throat singing, drumming and dance group The Blake Sisters, and a hoop dance, black light performance by Regina’s Terrance Littletent.

Following this incredible and inspiring evening of performing art, festival-goers will head back downstairs for a reception featuring contemporary Mi’kmaq cuisine.

Day two of the festival brings a series of visual and performances art workshops hosted at the Native Friendship Centre and the Arts & Culture Centre. Workshop themes include hoop dancing, throat singing, stone carving and Raku clay firing. For more information and to purchase festival passes,  contact the Native Friendship Centre (709) 726-5902.