Here we go friends! November 15 and 16! Come join us!
The Gathering, a celebration of Native American Heritage Month, returns to Cannon Beach for a weekend of art, film, conversation and more. In its third year, the event features a mix of indigenous voices, including filmmaker Katsitsionni Fox (Akwesasne Mohawk Nation), storyteller Karen Kitchen (Osage Nation), scholar Brad Mix (Red River Métis), poet Cliff Taylor (Ponca) and more.
All Gathering events are offered free of charge. Donations are encouraged.
At 7PM on Saturday, November 15th, award winning director Katsitsionni Fox will premiere her upcoming documentary, “Kanenon:we – Original Seeds,” at the Coaster Theatre. The short film follows women responsible for caretaking of traditional seeds whose existence is threatened by centuries of colonial practices. The film explores food security, environmental disconnection, climate change, land theft and more. Following the screening, Fox will be joined by Cliff Taylor for a Q&A.
Earlier on Saturday, the Cannon Beach Library hosts a family-friendly storytelling event with educator Karen Kitchen at 1PM. With traditional stories and song, Kitchen engages children and learners of all ages. Children will also be able to experiment with and make their own indigenous instruments.
On Sunday. November 16th, the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum welcomes Brad Mix for a presentation entitled “Reclaiming the Mixed Blood Story” at 11AM. This conversation will explore mixed-blood identity, not only within the Métis Nation but across Indigenous and mixed-heritage communities today.
“This discussion isn’t just about Métis history,” says Zoe Swain, Cultural Outreach Coordinator at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum and Gathering co-organizer. “It’s also about mixed ancestry more broadly. The question of ‘how Indigenous are you?’ can be deeply painful for many people of mixed heritage. What’s so inspiring about the Métis Nation is how they celebrate being both European and Indigenous, embracing that dual identity as strength, not conflict.”
The Gathering is produced by Cannon Beach community nonprofits, including: The Tolovana Arts Colony, Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, The Coaster Theatre Playhouse and the Cannon Beach Library. Sponsored by Escape Lodging.
For more information contact the Tolovana Arts Colony at tolovanaartscolony@gmail.com or 541-215-4445.
We gratefully acknowledge the Clatsop and Nehalem/Tillamook Peoples on whose ancestral homelands we gather!
SCHEDULE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
1PM – Family Storytelling with Karen Kitchen @ The Cannon Beach Library (131 N Hemlock, Cannon Beach, OR 97110)
7PM – Film Premiere: “Kanenon:we – Original Seeds” followed by Q&A with Director Katsitsionni Fox @ The Coaster Theatre Playhouse (108 N Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
11AM – Presentation with Brad Mix, “Reclaiming the Mixed Blood Story” @ The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum (1387 S Spruce St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110)
1PM – Stew and Bread Fellowship Lunch @ Tolovana Hall (3779 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110)