As part of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities, the public is invited to enjoy a free admission show involving 200 drones in the night sky above Silver Creek Golf Course in Garden River First Nation on Friday.
More than just a dazzling display, the show will tell a story narrated by Barbara Nolan, a Spanish Indian Residential School survivor and a respected Nishnaabemwin-language immersion teacher.
Story details are under wraps for now, but Nolan told SooToday “the drones will create pictures in the air.”
“It’s partly about the creation story. It’s about reconciliation and hope. It has a good ending, happily ever after.”
“It was an honour to be chosen to speak,” Nolan said.
The drone show is produced by North Star Drone Shows and is being presented by Indigenous Tourism Ontario.
“The drones are lit, so it’s like a new type of fireworks show and as you hear the story the drones fly up in formation and then create different images that reflect the story that Barbara will be telling. As with so many of our traditional stories there will be a lot of elements of nature depicted in the show,” said Trina Simard, the event’s producer.
“It will be the first Indigenous story being told with drones. We’re really thrilled Barbara is the one telling the story for us,” Simard said.
Pre-recorded narration of the show - which begins at 9:30 p.m. - will be told first in Anishinnabemowin, then in English at 10 p.m.
The public is encouraged to start gathering at 8:30 p.m.
“It’s educational, enlightening and inspiring,” Simard said of the show.
“It’s part of our culture growing and evolving and finding new ways to share these traditional stories. I think it’s really exciting to present it in this way. It’s like a new way of fireworks but with a meaning and a story behind it.”
There will be parking available at Silver Creek Golf Course, but should the parking lot be full motorists are asked not to park on the side of the highway. Indigenous Tourism Ontario staff will be in the parking lot to help visitors find a spot.
The drone show will be visible from the Sault, organizers say.
The public is urged to bring blankets, a pop-up chair and warm clothing.
Food will be passed around.
There will be live entertainment between the two shows by Everett Morrison, an Indigenous baritone originally from Moosonee who now lives in Wikwemikong.