First Voices Festival

7 Stages, in collaboration with Turtle Island Trading, Zintkala Zi PowWow and the L5P Business Association, presents:

A Celebration of Indigenous Cultures

Saturday, November 19, 2022

– Daytime PowWow at L5P Soccer Field | 9 AM – 5 PM | complimentary –

Native American flutists, dancers, drummers, vendors and demonstrations

– Art of Activism Meal & Dialogue | 5 PM – 6:30 PM | complimentary –

Guest William Harjo with food provided by Three Sisters Soulfood

– An evening of performances @ 7 Stages | 7 PM | $10 to $40 –

featuring Shelley Morningsong with Fabian Fontenelle

This festival will offer audiences in Atlanta, for the first time, an opportunity to engage in music, dance, theatrical performances, food, and Indigenous history, wisdom, and culture through storytelling, outreach, and engagement events. The goal is to provide Indigenous and Native American artists a platform to share their stories, art, and culture while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity to help people better understand how choices today can impact generations to come.

PowWow at Little 5 Points Soccer Field – 9am to 5 pm – Complimentary event with suggested $7 donation

The First Voices Festival includes a daytime festival and PowWow held in an outdoor space in Little Five Points and an evening of performances at 7 Stages. The daytime events include Native American flautists, dancers, drummers, vendors, dialogues, and demonstrations. Traditional elements of the PowWow will be led by an Emcee, Lead Man and Lead Woman, SouthSide Drum group, and includes traditional dances: Men’s Fancy, Women’s Fancy Shawl, Jingle Dress Dance, Tiny Tots and Intertribal Dances. The PowWow will be curated by Buffalo Yellowbird. Buffalo is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation and he is a seasoned curator. For over five years, he has sponsored and organized PowWows in many locations such as Dickson, Tennessee; Athens, Alabama; and now Atlanta, Georgia.

Art of Activism Meal & Dialogue at The Wrecking Bar – 5 PM to 6:30 PM – Complimentary event!

This Art of Activism discussion is about the misinformation around Indigenous cultures in modern day society. 7 Stages Theatre has resided on the Mvskoke (Muscogee/Creek) land for over 40 years along with many businesses in our Little Five Points neighborhood, while communities across Atlanta have a responsibility to consider what reparations may look like for them. As we examine our role in the arts community, engage in vital conversations and connect across our differences, we strive to create a brave space for native voices, stories, and leadership. Join us for Art of Activism from 5-6:30PM after the First Voices Festival PowWow, with honored guest Muscogee/Creek elder and fine flute maker William Harjo and complimentary meals provided by Three Sisters Soulfood!

Evening Performances at 7 Stages – 7 PM to 9 PM – $10-$40

Following a full day of events, 7 Stages will host an evening of performances on its Mainstage featuring Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne and Scandinavian) and Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha). Singer/songwriter and Native American flute player Shelley Morningsong is a seven-time Native American Music Awards winner, including 2019 “Artist of the Year.” She has recorded seven albums of her soulful contemporary compositions and has written theme songs for nonprofits One Nation Walking and Electro-Magnetic Health. Shelley teaches online and conducts workshops at festivals. Her latest project is the upcoming children’s book, “She Talks to the Animals”, based on a song by the same name from her award-winning album, “Love Medicine.” In performance, Shelley is joined by her husband, Fabian Fontenelle, an original member of the American Indian Dance Theatre.

VIEW THE PROGRAM – EVENING PERFORMANCES

First Voices Festival Evening Performances featuring Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontenelle

Tips for a fun and safe festival visit:

The PowWow is outdoors in a grassy field! Bring a chair, dress warmly, and wear comfortable shoes.
Use our complimentary shuttle! While each location is within walking distance, the shuttle is a great way to get back and forth.
Park in our paid lot behind 7 Stages, or further out on side streets for free. Better yet, take Marta! The closest train stop is Inman Park Marta station, a short walk to L5P.
Masks and other personal protection equipment are highly recommended, especially indoors. If you are sick, stay home!
Please DON’T BRING alcohol, drugs, weapons, etc to these family-friendly events.
DO BRING your friends, family, an eagerness to learn, and some donation cash for all of the organizations making this possible!

VOLUNTEERS!

This is a great opportunity to collaborate with a variety of organizations, get some first-hand event experience, network, and contribute to the community!

FVF Volunteer Signup (online)