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Lantern fest wrongly used Six Nations, Ont., land, community member says as organizer defends chaotic event | CBC News

Lantern fest wrongly used Six Nations, Ont., land, community member says as organizer defends chaotic event | CBC News

A resident from Six Nations, Ont., the First Nations reserve where a U.S.-based event company held a controversial lantern festival last weekend, says local laws around land use are different than other jurisdictions and need to be respected. 

“These organizers need to understand Indigenous lands are not to be seen as a wasteland [where] our territories and the safety of our people don’t matter,” Rick Monture, who is Mohawk with the Turtle clan, told CBC Hamilton on Thursday.

The Lights Festival was held on a farm in Six Nations on Aug. 20, despite community concerns around permissions and safety. Many ticket holders, some who came from more than 100 kilometres away, were turned back by Six Nations police, while others were able to reach the property and release lanterns. 

Monture said while some municipalities like Toronto have banned sky lanterns, Six Nations is among reserves that don’t have the same laws, which “creates a loophole” for event organizers. 

“They don’t care if it causes any potential harm or threat to the community … I would put the onus squarely on the event organizers,” said Monture, who is also a McMaster University associate professor in the departments of English, cultural and Indigenous studies.

Following calls from many ticket holders for a refund and fuller explanation, the festival’s organizer told CBC Hamilton this week it relied on the venue to ensure last weekend’s event could move forward.

“We did everything that the venue had told us to do,” said Drew Dunn, a manager with U.S.-based Viive Events.

The event, held on the same property in 2019, had prompted concerns from Six Nations community members before it took place again this year. Six Nations police, who called the event “unauthorized,” blocked the area and, according to one neighbour, it turned into “mayhem.”

“They said they were taking care of it,” Dunn said of the property owner. “I’m the first to admit it did not go how we wanted it to go.”

CBC has been unable to reach the property owner, and Dunn has not provided more information about the venue.

How the night unfolded

Viive Events is the Utah-based company behind the The Lights Festival, where people light a lantern and let it fly through the sky.

Festivals take place across the U.S. and Canada, and have triggered concerns before. The Six Nations event, marketed as taking place in the Toronto area on Aug. 20, was organized remotely, Dunn said.

The company held the event on private property, the Johnson Farm.

The First Nations reserve is also home to the the largest Carolinian forest in southern Ontario.

Rick Monture had strong words for the organizers of The Light Festival, which took place in the First Nations reserve on Aug. 20. (McMaster University)

Terri Monture lives next to the farm and described a scene of “mayhem” Saturday night — darkened roads lined with cars, with people trying to get to the location despite police blocking it off. 

She said she spoke to at least one person who wasn’t aware the area was a reserve. She told them they weren’t supposed to be there and “our band council and our hereditary council have condemned [the event].”

At least one formal letter from the community that was signed by Mark Hill, chief of the elected council, was sent to organizers before the event, saying it was too dangerous to release lanterns and that organizers had no authority to do so. 

When asked if Viive Events had made any contact with the elected council or the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council (HCCC) — the traditional, hereditary leaders on the reserve — Dunn said he wasn’t sure and needed to double check.

The HCCC declined to comment.

While there was an announcement from organizers on the day of the event asking the roughly 5,000 ticket holders not to fly the lanterns, some floated through the sky Saturday night.

Others were turned away by Six Nations police, who said this week it was investigating and may lay charges.

Dunn said the organizers didn’t know police had arrived at the event and were turning people away. He said the company couldn’t get in contact with police, which he said was the reason for their delay with a public statement. The company posted a note online Sunday evening apologizing “for any confusion and inconvenience.”

“We were confused as participants … no one would talk to me,” Dunn said, adding he hadn’t heard about any potential charges by police.

Six Nations police didn’t respond to questions from CBC Hamilton.

Event company says it follows ‘correct protocols’

In a statement released Tuesday, Hill said the event represented “a callous disregard for the safety and well-being of the people of Six Nations.”

One family had trouble driving to a relative’s wake because of traffic from the event, he said.

“It is unacceptable that outside organizations think they can exploit our sovereignty for their own benefit by hosting events on the territory that have little to no benefit to our community,” he wrote.

Rick Monture said he was particularly upset by one part of the organizers’ Sunday statement, which said they were happy for those who got to release their lanterns.

They were essentially saying “good for you people for disobeying the police and threatening the lives and well-being of people in the community,” Monture said.

When Dunn was asked about both community and ticket-holder concerns, he said there has never been a single fire throughout the five years the event has been in operation.

The company goes through “all the correct protocols,” he added.

A person releasing a lantern into the sky.
Lights Festival organizers say they’re setting another date for the event to make up for last weekend’s event in Six Nations that they say caused ‘confusion and inconvenience’ to ticket holders. (globetrotter.mitul.kathuria/Instagram)

“Not everyone loves the event, that’s just like anything in life … that’s part of doing a special event,” Dunn said.

“People don’t realize the thousands of people that are going there because they’ve lost a loved one or they’re starting to do a job … that’s what we give to people.”

He said the venue itself is private property and they can host an event when they want. He also said the event went well when it took place there in 2019.

Terri Monture previously told CBC that event raised some concerns.

Organizers issuing limited refunds

Dunn said Viive is working with customers to issue refunds to some with tickets, but not all.

“When a musician goes on tour and the artist loses their voice, they don’t refund everyone, they reschedule,” Dunn said. 

The company has 52 complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), many of them around accessing refunds and or events not taking place.

“The consumers reach out to the business for refunds and are unsuccessful in reaching them,” the website says.

However, Dunn said, “We’re not here to steal money, we’re not here to be a scam, we’re here to bring an awesome event to people.”

The festival’s frequently asked questions section says tickets are non-refundable unless the customer opts for the Refund Protection Plan.

The other chance at getting a refund is if the event is cancelled and a new date isn’t set within 90 days of the original event. 

Dunn said Viive hopes to have another Ontario event by October, but said it won’t take place at the Johnson Farm.

Instead, it will be in a municipality that supports the event, he said.

“We are working day and night to find another venue to do it the right way so these people can experience what a cool event it is.” 

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EVENTS DC BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES SALE OF LAND BENEATH MARRIOTT MARQUIS

EVENTS DC BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES SALE OF LAND BENEATH MARRIOTT MARQUIS

$10 MILLION FROM PROCEEDS TO BE USED FOR CULTURAL GRANTS

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of the District of Columbia, announced that its board of directors voted yesterday to approve the sale of land it owns beneath the Marriott Marquis hotel in downtown DC to the hotel developer. A portion of the proceeds from the sale – approximately $10 million — will fund grants that provide financial assistance to qualified nonprofit cultural institutions based in the District. The funding is intended to aid organizations with needed resources during the recovery phase of the pandemic. These institutions that engage in the management, interpretation and distribution of cultural and artistic knowledge and offer and promote activities meant to inform, educate attract visitors and residents to DC.

“This is an important day in the promotion and preservation of the District’s unique cultural identity,” said John Falcicchio, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “We thank our partners at Events DC, Quadrangle Development Corporation and Capstone Development for their continued support and investment in our local economy.”

The sale is the result of a stipulation in the original lease signed in 2010 that granted the hotel developer the option to purchase the land where the hotel currently sits from Events DC and the DC government.  

“This landmark hotel has been vital to transforming this area into an events and entertainment destination,” said Max Brown, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Events DC. “With this sale, we will be able to invest in the distinct cultural institutions that make this city unlike anywhere else in the world, providing visitors to the nation’s capital with an unmatched experience. Despite the challenges we faced in the last two years, we are an incredibly resilient city and that’s because of fortitude of our diverse communities and by the strong leadership of the Mayor and DC Council.”

After opening its doors in 2014, the Marriott Marquis became the city’s largest hotel, adding 100,000 square feet of meeting space and nearly 1,200 rooms, and was named DC’s official convention center hotel as the only hotel with redirect access to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The hotel was the product of a successful public-private partnership, which has had a significant economic impact on the area since it opened.

“This moment encapsulates the importance of innovative collaborations between public agencies and private business,” said Samuel Thomas, Interim president and chief executive officer of Events DC. “Projects like this provide vital economic opportunities, attract new visitors, and support the physical and cultural infrastructure of this beautiful city for future generations of DC residents.”

Events DC is currently developing the new grant program, which is expected to launch fall 2022. Organizations interested in the cultural institution capital grants can visit the Events DC website for further information in the coming months.

About Events DC

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the Nation’s Capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in direct economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory, and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKFields.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC) — and on our new hub for live and on-demand event programming on GATHER by Events DC at www.gatherbyeventsdc.com.

SOURCE Events DC

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Sugar Land calendar of events

Sugar Land calendar of events

International Women’s Day Market is scheduled for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, March 18, at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in Katy. More than a dozen local women-owned businesses have signed up to join the event. Multiple booths will be on site promoting their product and services, plus a women-centric photo wall. For more information and a list of participants go to https://tinyurl.com/z9srstze.

March 19

The Boho Market

The Boho Market is scheduled for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk in Sugar Land. Admission is free as well as parking. The event is family and pet-friendly. For more information or to apply to be a vendor through The Boho Market at www.thebohomarket.co.

Post Patty’s Day Block Party

Join the Post Patty’s Day Block Party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in Katy. Entry is free. Included in the event are green beer, Irish slammers and pot-o-gold shot specials; live Irish-themed music; photo-imprint beer, swag and souvenir giveaways from Guinness; and brand vendors and activities on site. Children are welcome if accompanied by a parent. Bar Louie is providing an alcohol-free kids zone featuring a shamrock decorating station, coloring station, balloon artist and face painter. For more information go to https://tinyurl.com/2p958emd.

March 21

Richmond City Commission

The city of Richmond will hold its regular commission meeting on Monday, March 21, at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex located at 600 Morton St. in Richmond. For questions, contact City Manager Terri Vela at tvela@richmondtx.gov or 281-342-5456.

Missouri City City Council

The regular meeting of the Missouri City City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 21, in the City Hall, Council Chamber at 1522 Texas Parkway. For more information go to www.missouricitytx.gov.

March 22

The City Market

Join The Houston Junior Forum at The City Market, a shopping experience to be held from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77045. The City Market will showcase a wide variety of high-quality merchants offering an assortment of items — there will be something for everyone. General admissions tickets are $15 through March 21 and $20 at the door. Special event and VIP packages are also available. For more information and to buy tickets visit https://thecitymkt.org.

March 24

Children’s Music Class in the Park with Vivaldi

Children’s Music Class in the Park with Vivaldi is scheduled for 10-10:45 a.m. Thursday, March 24, at Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk in Sugar Land. Vivaldi Music Academy welcomes families with children ages 1-5 years old to join them in the Plaza for a free, fun morning full of singing, dancing and learning.

March 26

Raxx Vintage Market

Raxx Vintage Market is scheduled for noon-6 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk in Sugar Land. Entry is free. There are expected to be more than 50 vintage vendors in the plaza. For more information go to https://raxxbu.com.

Aspiring Artists Micro Music Festival

The Aspiring Artists Micro Music Festival is scheduled for 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in Katy. Enjoy live music from local musicians and free cans of ASPIRE Healthy Energy Drinks in Heritage Square. No tickets are required; attendance is free. For more information go to https://tinyurl.com/mryr8e7f.

March 27

Farmers market

The Farmers Market at La Centerra is presented the second and fourth Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in Katy. There will be local vendors and artisans at Heritage Square selling honey, cheese, fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables and more. To become a vendor email customer@yourneighborhoodfarmersmarket.com.

April 1

Movies at Wessendorf

The city of Richmond presents Movies at Wessendorf at 7:45 p.m. Friday, April 1, at Wessendorf Park at 500 Preston St. The feature presentation will be “Peter Rabbit 2.” Bring your own chairs/ blankets. Food truck and Sno-Balls will be on site for purchase. The Rotary Club of Richmond will provide free popcorn. For more information go to www.richmondtx.gov.

April 2

Art Walk & Motor Madness

The Sixth Annual ART WALK & Motor Madness Set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 2, along Morton Street between 2nd and 5th streets in Richmond. The event is presented by the Historic Richmond Association in partnership with downtown merchants. Classic car enthusiasts will be able to participate in the Motor Madness car show featured at City Hall on Morton Street between 4th and 5th streets. For the second year Art Walk & Motor Madness brings Bark in the Park to this event. Attendees will also find a selection of artisan vendors and food trucks. There will be beer and wine available. Morton Street merchants will open their stores for artists to showcase their works while working live, and art lovers/ attendees are invited to shop and sip wine while engaging with artists on the Art Walk. Plein air painters, youth art projects and sidewalk chalk art will complete the unique experience for attendees at 2022 Art Walk and Motor Madness. For more information, email hra.rtx@gmail.com or check out Facebook @artwalkrichmondtx.

April 3

Car Wash for Kids Doubling the Impact

Sunday, April 3, Hope For Three Teen Huddle and over 100 teen volunteers from across the county will rev up to raise awareness and acceptance during April, Autism Awareness Month. The event, presented by Sugar Land Baptist Church will take place at C & C Dental, 17003 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Teens from area schools are on hand to wash cars with an Eco-Friendly solution, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is free of charge; however, donations are welcome. Sugar Land Baptist Church is matching donations up to $3,500! We’re doubling our impact! Volunteer and sponsor opportunities available. For more information or to find autism resources, visit: www.hopeforthree.org/events or call 281-245-0640.

April 5

Sugar Land City Council

The Sugar Land City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. N. For more information go to www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Rosenberg City Council

The Rosenberg City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at Rosenberg City Hall, 2110 4th St. Council meetings may be viewed live on YouTube, the city of Rosenberg website, or by Rosenberg Comcast customers on channel 16. For more information go to www.rosenbergtx.gov.

April 18


Richmond City Commission

The city of Richmond will hold its regular commission meeting on Monday, April 18, at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex located at 600 Morton St. in Richmond. For questions, contact City Manager Terri Vela at tvela@richmondtx.gov or 281-342-5456.

Missouri City City Council

The regular meeting of the Missouri City City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, in the City Hall, Council Chamber at 1522 Texas Parkway. For more information go to www.missouricitytx.gov.

April 19

Sugar Land City Council

The Sugar Land City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. N. For more information go to www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Rosenberg City Council

The Rosenberg City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Rosenberg City Hall, 2110 4th St. Council meetings may be viewed live on YouTube, the city of Rosenberg website, or by Rosenberg Comcast customers on channel 16. For more information go to www.rosenbergtx.gov.