A festival celebrating emerging voices for social, environmental and spiritual renewal!
Festimagouche is one of the many great events taking place as part of Tatamagouche Festival of Soil, Soul & Society, August 21-30
August 22nd & 23rd, 2015
Tatamagouche, NS
Workshops B - 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
​12:15-15:00
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Workshops - Sat. Aug 22
Workshops A - 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Arts
‘Songwriting Workshop’
COCO LOVE ALCORN
Chapel, Stewart Hall
Bring your passion and creativity to this engaging and interactive songwriting workshop. Coco will lead the group through a fun process for pulling together a complete song - from writing the lyrics to finding a tune to singing and playing the finished piece - all while under the pressure of a 60-minute timer!
Justice
‘No More Stolen Sisters’
Gail Clark, Amnesty International
Common Room, Stewart Hall
Indigenous women are going missing and being murdered at a rate much higher than other women in Canada – a rate so high it constitutes nothing less than a national human rights crisis. This session will discuss the work Amnesty International Canada is doing alongside First Nations communities and other NGOs to end violence against Indigenous women. It will explore opportunities for participants to take action and help bring real solutions at both the local and national levels.
Spirit
‘Labyrinth Guided Meditation Walk’
Robyn Brown-Hewitt
Labyrinth
The Labyrinth is an ancient tool used for meditative practice. Through mindful walking, participants are invited to explore the sacred space where body, earth and spirit meet. Participants will be provided with simple tools they may choose to explore as they walk the outdoor labyrinth or they may simply enjoy the open path and lo listen for the voice that waits to speak.
Earth
‘Eco-Spirituality’
ALISTAIR MCINTOSH
Training Room, Stewart Hall
For the past two decades Alastair McIntosh has taught the spiritual basis of deep activism for social and environmental change in courses that have been variously accredited by the Universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde and the Open University. What happens when our activism pushes us beyond the comfort zones of ego? When we are called to forms of leadership as service that press us to consider that our service is towards a deeper grounding of reality than we are normally conscious of? How can we use discernment and other spiritual tools to guide us on such paths, helping us to honour our vocations, our callings, and neither sell out nor burn out?
Earth -CANCELLED
‘Environmental Racism in Nova Scotia’
INGRID WALDRON
Training Room, Stewart Hall
Is it coincidence that county dumps are located next to communities of colour in Nova Scotia? Or is it because decision makers know they have the least heard voice? Learn about the history and present day situation of environmental racism in our region.
Spirit
‘First Nations Spiritual Worldview’
LOTTIE MAE JOHNSON
Common Room, Stewart Hall
The traditional concepts of respect and sharing that form the foundation of the First Nations’ way of life are built around the seven natural laws, or sacred teachings. Each teaching honours one of the basic virtues intrinsic to a full and healthy life. Each law is embodied by an animal to underscore the point that all actions and decisions made by man are manifest in the physical world. The animal world teaches man how to live close to the earth, and the connection that has been established between the animal world and that of man has instilled a respect for all life in those who follow the traditional Aboriginal way.
All those interested in Indigenous culture will have the opportunity to learn about the values, spirituality, and holistic approach of the First Nations. This workshop will touch on the First Nations worldview of relationship to the Earth and to all life.
Justice
‘Songs for Social Change’
DAVE GUNNING
Chapel, Stewart Hall
There are stories that wash over you like a tide, and then there are stories that grab you by the heart. Dave Gunning has made a point of finding the latter and wrapping them up in song since he broke upon the East Coast music scene in Canada back in 1997. The Pictou County, Nova Scotia born and bred singer-songwriter and working class hero has built up from humble beginnings. Dave is immersed in social and environmental issues. These Hands co-written with George Canyon is a ‘call to action’ style song reminiscent of classic Pete Seeger to inspire us to make good in this world. And Dave does his part to lift people up. For example when Pictou Landing First Nations set up a protest camp, Dave came and sat at the fire late one night and shared with the people a new song he had written for them. Dave’s magnetic gift of captivating audiences by creating a bond through down-to-earth details, homespun humour and seasoned musicianship will be in full display. This workshop will be an informal sharing of songs that motivate us all to work for social change.
Arts
‘Exploring the Drum’
KEN SHORLEY
Saswsig Lodge
This hands-on drumming session is open to all, and is suitable for beginning drummers as well as those with some experience. Ken will share a few tips on drum technique, and a few ensemble rhythms from various regions of the world, including West Africa, the Arab world, and India.
Please bring a drum - a goblet-shaped drum (djembe, doumbek, darbuka, or similar) or frame drum (bodhran, tar, riq, or tambourine) would be most suitable, although other options are welcome! And if you have an extra drum to share, please bring it along as well.
Ken Shorley is a percussionist based in Wolfville, NS who specializes in the intricate rhythms and hand drumming traditions of South India, Turkey, Egypt, West Africa and Indonesia. He is also a composer and a part-time instructor at Acadia University.