Celebrating Community

A musical ride through the St Lawrence neighbourhood
July 1st, 2021

On July 1st 2021, Jamii joined forces with the St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) to present "CELEBRATING COMMUNITY", a musical ride through our three local parks: David Crombie Park, Berczy Park and St James Park.

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With this event, our intent was to recognize and honour the Indigenous people of this country and the diversity, culture and life experiences of people in our neighbourhood.

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While Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone sang about love and honoured Mother Nature, she also spoke about the suffering of her people through the continued discovery of the (unmarked) graves of Indigenous children - horrors committed at the residential schools through a century and a half of abuse. We were honoured to offer Aqua a platform to speak and sing.

Leen لين, along with John Pierre Abou Chacra (together known as Kazdoura) sang in Arabic and shared with us some of their journey from Syria.

Sergio Xocolate along with Suzanne Roberts Smith (Xocô Music), spoke about Indigenous Peoples in the world, especially those from Sergio's home country in Brazil.

It was the first time for Jamii to work with Suba Sankaran & Dylan Bell (together known as Free Play Duo) .

Our friend Heidi Chan played traditional Japanese music along with Aki Takahashi (together are called Ten ten Canada) - what an honour!

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Stunning photos by Delphy Photography

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In partnership with BMO Financial Group, Friends of Berczy Park, and Friends of St James Park Toronto.

Supported by Canadian Heritage and Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada.