Nicholas Donaldson
Couchiching First Nation is bringing in Shy-anne Hovorka for a community visit and free concert next Wednesday (March 15).
Organizer Dave Savard told the Times this is one way Couchiching is trying to develop music and the arts for the entire community.
The day will begin with a seniors’ home visit from 10 a.m.-noon.
Hovorka next will visit the day care from 2-3 p.m. to share stories and songs with the youngsters.
Then from 3-5 p.m., she will lead a youth workshop at the Couchiching multi-use facility.
All of the communities are welcome to attend this.
Hovorka will be speaking to the youth about her experiences, as well as answering questions about recording, playing, and life in general as a musician.
“She will be sharing her stories with everyone,” noted Savard.
At 5:30 p.m., Hovorka will be at From the Grind Up in Fort Frances for about an hour to meet and chat with people.
Then she will hold a concert at the Couchiching multi-use facility at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is free and everyone from all communities are welcome to attend.
Savard noted the importance of having Hovorka speak with people of all ages throughout the day, adding he wanted to make sure she met with everyone from elders to children in day care.
“She is getting the Couchiching area experience,” he remarked.
The day is part of the Family Well-Being Program, with the aim to bring in role models to meet with the community.
In related news, Hovorka also will appear during the “Let’s Speak Ojibwe” Baby Time next Thursday (March 16) at 10:30 a.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.
Hovorka is a songwriter, humanitarian, multi-instrumentalist, and performer working in Northwestern Ontario.
Among her many awards are Aboriginal Entertainer of the Year, Best Country Album, and Best Single.
