Miwate: Getting Dazzled By A Light Or Fire

Miwate is an event currently in its final days here in Ottawa, so if you're in the area and haven't seen it yet, consider yourself on notice to get up there by Sunday night. It is a production by Moment Factory in collaboration with the Algonquin Anishinaabe First Nation, illuminating the Chaudiere Falls in the heart of the Ottawa River with lights, accompanied by music, during the evenings for the last month. This is part of the Canada 150 events, and starts with a series of panels about First Nations history in general and the Anishinaabe in particular. The word itself means 'dazzled by a light or fire', which turns out to be quite appropriate when you see the light show.

The path leads out to a long viewing platform facing the falls, which has been installed for this event and for the long term. Check out a video of the approach here. The falls have been largely cut off from both Ottawa and Gatineau for a century, with industry occupying the islands here and keeping the population at a distance. The viewing platform has been the first chance for most people to get a proper look at the waterfalls.

The light show is about ten minutes long, and waiting for a chance to take it in still gives the photographer some opportunities, with those on the front platform in silhouette against the lights.

The lights themselves are mounted on the dam behind the falls, which spread out over quite a wide area, the water tumbling over the rocks. The show begins, more of which we'll see tomorrow, with lights flashing out over the cascades.