More than just a paddle, this is our time to connect, plant and gather. Beautiful things happen at Mnoominkewin. We are so happy to be apart of it. Chi Miigwetch @waferguson for capturing these photos!
Meet the expert ears of Mnoominkewin! We’re giving a huge shoutout to our friend and incredible sound man, Tai, whose dedication has been key to our journey.
Tai has been with the Mnoominkewin Gathering almost since the beginning, always willing to help us grow. His story is seriously inspiring: from hitting the drums at age ten inspired by his dad’s music career and studying electroacoustics at Concordia to designing sound for theatre with the likes of Robert Wilson in New York, Monaco, and Indonesia—he’s been mastering his craft for over 20 years!
This year, his support has been invaluable as we incorporated the Reframe Film Festival screening and helped successfully launch Rhythms of the Rice: Tia Wood Live! He’s the one who makes sure every note and word lands perfectly.
Tai is dedicated to helping the Nogojiwanong (Peterborough) arts scene thrive, bringing what he can to Curve Lake and we’re so grateful to have him on our team as we continue to grow. Thanks for everything, Tai! 🙏🏽
📸 @waferguson
#Mnoominkewin #SoundMan #LiveSound #Collaboration #PeterboroughArts #BehindTheScenes #TiaWood #ReframeFilmFestival #RhythmsoftheRice #CurveLakeFirstNation
A special treat to have @reframefilmfestival at Mnoominkewin for the second year in a row! This year’s screening was “Feather Fall,” a beautiful short film about a community’s incredible efforts to protect their land and waters. So thankful for their involvement and for sharing such an inspiring story with us. #ReframeFilmFest #Mnoominkewin #Community #ProtectTheLand #EveningProgramming
📸 @waferguson
What a night for the first Rhythms of the Rice! It was a dream come true to see Wild Rice Records in action, providing a safe, empowering space for Indigenous artists, just as I’d always envisioned. It’s all about passing the mic to the next generation.
My brother, Josh, stood with me and I couldn’t have been prouder. He represents our community so beautifully by carrying on our traditional Grass Dance.
A massive thank you to everyone who made it happen: Reframe, the Mnoominkewin committee for making the day-long gathering a reality, Tai Timbers for the sound, Wayne Ferguson for the photos, and all the dedicated volunteers who helped with set up. I especially want to thank the Gaming Revenue Fund of Curve Lake FN and Crystal Cummings. What a great opportunity this fund is for our members, and their support made this celebration of manoomin and music possible.
Celebrating Tia Wood and her EP, Pretty Red Bird, exactly one year later was the perfect ending to an amazing day. Thank you to everyone who attended and was a part of it.
- Missy @singingwildricegirl 🌾✨
📸 @waferguson
What a powerful and beautiful night celebrating music, Manoomin and community at the inaugural Rhythms of the Rice: Tia Wood Live! The energy was so peaceful and Tia’s voice was magic. Chi Miigwetch to everyone who made this possible. ❤️ Goodnight.
Photos by @waferguson more to come!
Mnoominkewin is happening RIGHT NOW at Lime Kiln Park in Curve Lake FN and we are so excited to be apart of it! Chi Miigwetch to our photographer Wayne Ferguson for capturing these gorgeous shots.
Please note: Krista Knott is the official event photographer for Mnoominkewin.
Introducing our official event photographer for the inaugural Rhythms of the Rice, Wayne Ferguson! 📸
Wayne is a passionate photographer from Peterborough, with over 15 years of experience capturing everything from live music to weddings and family portraits. Born and raised in the community, he brings a grounded, community-centered perspective to his work.
As a proud member of Wahnapitae First Nation, Wayne continually draws strength and inspiration from his culture and heritage. His love for the outdoors and the natural world deeply influences his creative approach, helping him see the light, space, and story in every environment.
Wayne is dedicated to growing as both an artist and a person, always refining his craft and capturing the world with honesty, care, and curiosity. If you see him at the event, be sure to strike a pose!
So grateful to have shared space with Bree Paudash @breepaudash_ , an incredible Anishnaabekwe from Hiawatha First Nation, at the Woven Stories event! Bree’s journey of reconnecting with her culture and traditions, as a business owner, Jingle Dress dancer, and beadwork lover, is truly inspiring. Miigwetch for being a part of it, Bree!
#WovenStories #IndigenousCulture #Anishnaabekwe #FirstNations #CulturalReconnection #JingleDress #Beadwork #ThankYou #CommunityEvent
Photos by @waferguson 📷
We’re still buzzing from the incredible performances by our head dancers at the Woven Stories event at Peterborough Music Fest @ptbomusicfest on July 2nd! ✨
Huge gratitude to Anjolene Pine @anjolenepine , a proud member of Curve Lake and Garden River First Nation. Anjolene brings her rich cultural background and passion for dance, sewing, and crafting – traditions she’s cherished since childhood – to every step. She holds a B.Sc. in psychology from Trent University and is a vital part of the Sault Ste. Marie Indigenous Friendship Centre.
And a warm thank you to Josh Knott @joshknott24 , 19, a dedicated grass dancer from Curve Lake First Nation and White Dog First Nation. Josh, a Fleming College student, consistently connects with his community through his dance, carrying on a powerful tradition. Catch him as a head dancer at the Scugog Pow Wow this year!
#WovenStories #PeterboroughMusicFest #IndigenousDance #FirstNations #HeadDancers #PowWow #Community
Photos by @waferguson 📷
When @ptbomusicfest mentioned needing an emcee for Woven Stories, we knew exactly who to call! 🌟
Meet Destiny Cardinal @destinymaskwa , a radiant Nehiyaw (Cree) woman from Bigstone Cree Nation, now gracing Peterborough, Ontario with her presence.
Destiny brings love and light to everything she does – from her joyful TikTok videos to empowering her friends and community, always with a laugh and a vibrant emphasis on every word!
She’s not just an incredible powwow dancer, singer, and speaker; Destiny embodies the healing power of culture, the strength of community, and the pure joy of laughter.
She truly makes everyone around her feel beautiful. ✨
Thank you, Destiny, for being our go-to, our reliable star, and for sprinkling happiness everywhere you go! We were so lucky to have you apart of this event. ❤️
#IndigenousExcellence #Cree #Nehiyaw #Peterborough #MusicFestival #Emcee #CommunityLove #PowwowDancer #Speaker #GoodVibes
Photo by @waferguson 📷
