CONNECTING THROUGH MUSIC WITH THE RIVERSIDE MUSICAL PARK PROJECT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Kahnawà:ke, Enníska/February 21, 2024 – Kahnawà:ke Tourism, in collaboration with Owisó:kon Lahache, have created the Musical Park Project featuring themed sculptures designed to facilitate connecting through music.

The future installation (location to be determined) will include 9 sculptures along with a picturesque seating pergola stylized as a traditional longhouse. This park area will provide cultural and historical components based on sound and music-making, with playable Iroquois social songs via QR code functionality. Youth, families, school groups, and passersby can become actively engaged with all of the dynamic features. This project is supported by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), which has provided a non-repayable contribution of $193,000 under the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF). “It’s a wonderful opportunity to encourage inter-cultural social gatherings where we can share music and knowledge through a modern artistic work of art surrounded by nature,” said Kimberly Cross, Tourism Development Manager.

“By encouraging Quebec’s Indigenous communities to develop their tourism potential, we are contributing to inclusive growth in regional economies and paving the way towards prosperity. I am
delighted that our government is supporting the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Centre and its interactive musical structures project. A unique opportunity to showcase the living Kahnawà:ke culture, at the heart of our incredible cultural heritage that is so diverse. Thanks to projects such as this one, we can move forward together into the future with more strength and resilience,” added the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

A temporary installation of the sculptures is open to the public and will be on display at the Kahnawà:ke

Youth Center March 4th through 9th from 1:00 – 7:00pm daily. The Musical Park Project includes the
following percussion instruments:

• Vertical Amadinda
• Xylophone metal and wood
• Metal “Tobacco Leaf” Cymbals
• Flower Cymbals
• Mushroom Bells
• Pipe Drums
• Metal Drums
• Downward Pipe Chimes
• Upright pipe Chime Table with square pipes

“All of our highest aspirations must always begin with the end in mind. In a sense, to design the world
we want to live in, bring it to the forefront and work diligently toward that final vision…” Owisó:kon

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