CALL FOR ARTISTS, HEALERS, CULTURAL CONTRIBUTORS & FOOD VENDORS: AKWESASNE ORANGE SHIRT DAY 2026

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) invite artists, healers, cultural knowledge holders, educators, and food vendors to submit proposals to participate in Akwesasne Orange Shirt Day 2026. 

This collaborative community event will take place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Generations Park. The day will honour residential school survivors while supporting healing, cultural pride, and intergenerational learning through education and hands-on cultural experiences.  

We are seeking participants who can provide approximately four hours of programming or services. 

We welcome proposals for: 

1. Food Vendors
2. Healing & Wellness Services
   • Massage Therapy
   • Reiki
   • Crystal Healing
   • Other traditional or holistic healing services
3. Interactive Cultural Activities & Demonstrations
   Examples include, but are not limited to:
   • Corn Husk Doll Making
   • Basket Making (individual or collaborative)
   • Tea Making
   • Kanien'kéha Coloring Station
   • Sweetgrass Bookmark Making
   • Beadwork Demonstrations and Kits
   • Tobacco Pouch Making
   • Mini Clay Pots
   • Orange Shirt educational activities
   • Loom Demonstrations
   • Other culturally relevant workshops, demonstrations, or interactive experiences

Interactive booths should encourage participation from children, youth, adults, and families. Where appropriate, activities should include a small takeaway item for approximately 200 participants. Collaborative projects that create one shared community piece are also encouraged.

To be considered, applicants must submit a completed Proposal Submission Form, including all required supporting information. 

Please include:

• A description of your booth, workshop, service, or food offerings
• A budget request and detailed cost breakdown
• An overview of the participant experience
• Any space, equipment, or electrical requirements
• Photos of your work, products, or previous workshops (where applicable)
• Any additional information that will assist the planning committee in evaluating your proposal

Please email your completed Proposal Submission Form and any supporting documents to:

Ashley Tarbell
ashley.tarbell@akwesasne.ca 

Submission Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026 

Successful applicants will be contacted by August 14, 2026.

We look forward to working together to create a meaningful day of remembrance, healing, education, and cultural celebration for our community.