INDIGENOUS STORIES TAKE THE STAGE AT WHERE THE PARTRIDGE DRUMS FESTIVAL
Under the glow of the full Harvest Moon, the inaugural Where the Partridge Drums Festival brought Indigenous storytelling, live performance, creativity, and community connection to Generations Park Amphitheater on September 25 and 26.
Hosted by Indian Way Theatre, the free two-day festival created a space for Indigenous creatives to share their stories and talents right here in Akwesasne, featuring performances by Akwesasró:non, local artists, and visiting Indigenous performers.
The festival opened with Teotsitsia’ho, created and performed by Indian Way Theatre’s Skon Kids. The performance reimagined the relationships between four Haudenosaunee women of legend: Flying Head, Hoof Lady, Shifter, and Sky Woman.
The Akwesasne Hoop Troupe then took the spotlight during a special performance led by Feryn King, showcasing the skill, energy, and creativity of young local dancers.
Montana Adams followed with My Good Friend Jay, a personal and thought-provoking exploration of Akwesasne’s unique geography and its four jurisdictions. Through humour and storytelling, the performance invited audiences to look at a familiar reality through a different lens.
Day 1 of the festival closed with Conditions to Strike, created and performed by Montana Summers of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. Drawing from the Unkwehu:we story of the Thunder Boy, Summers explored the experience of living between worlds and reflected on cultural teachings, identity, gender, and the Two-Spirit experience.
From young performers discovering their talents to established artists sharing stories rooted in culture, identity, and lived experience, Where the Partridge Drums Festival offered a meaningful reminder of the creativity and stories that continue to thrive within Indigenous communities.
Nia:wen to Indian Way Theatre and all of the artists, performers, organizers, and community members who helped bring this special weekend to life in Akwesasne!
