10th annual event promotes world peace and cultural awareness

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT COLLEGE

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10th annual Echoes Drum Festival takes place August 3, 4, 5

SAULT STE. MARIE - Gather up the family and get ready to enjoy the North’s only international drum Festival.

August 3, 4, and 5 marks the 10th annual Echoes of the World International Drum Festival.

This year’s festival, held at Algoma University, across from the George Leach Centre, is expected to draw a large crowd.

“The vision of the festival continues to promote world peace, international understanding and cultural awareness through the exchange of drumming, dancing and storytelling,” states Jackie Fletcher, president of Echoes of the World Drum Festival and event organizer. “The diversity of the performers enhances the theme of the festival and makes for a truly memorable experience for those involved.”

Echoes’ 10th Anniversary, celebrating peace and harmony of all races, will provide interactive, educational venues in a three day cultural immersion.

Open to all ages, guests will enjoy various cultural drummers, storytellers, vendors, children’s activities, drum interactive workshops, sunset drum circles and “the labyrinth”; an opportunity for guests to discover their own personal journey on a huge blanket of grass.

Also included in this year’s festival is an artistic venue where artists are invited to display their pieces of artwork.

“The festival is an opportunity to identify our similarities and differences through the sharing of traditional music, songs and dance,” notes Fletcher. “We encourage drummers and artists of all kinds to register online and get involved.”

The drum festival is also partnering with the Shingwauk 2012 Commemoration Gathering and Conference: Healing and Reconciliation through Education which runs from August 3 – 6, 2012. 

The public is invited to learn about the residential school era and the healing that is taking place.

The era will be portrayed by a 40 foot mythical dragon (Mishoo Biijou) during the opening ceremonies followed by life-sized butterflies signifying the wellness of future generations.

Food, entertainment and cultural activities will also be available.

A full schedule of events is posted online at www.echoesdrumfestival.com.

The Echoes Drum Festival organizers would like to thank Algoma University, the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Miramar Design Studios, Missanabie Cree First Nation, Mystic Messages, Mushkegowuk Council, Neech-Ke-When Homes, USWA Local 2724, USWA local 2251, Sault Community Career Centre, Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada, Day’s Inn and the Station Mall for their generous support of this event.

About Echoes of the World Festival

The Echoes of the World Festival is celebrating its 10th Anniversary.

The vision of the event, as a result of the 9/11 catastrophe, came from two Cree women with a mission to promote cross cultural and inter-racial understanding of the many diverse cultures of the world, and the relationship we have to each other and the earth.

It is the only international outdoor drum festival north of Toronto.

Most importantly, this festival allows participants to identify their similarities and differences through the sharing of traditional music, songs and dance in the spirit of peace and harmony.

Visit our website at www.echoesdrumfestival.com to learn more.

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