Musicians for Odenak

Friday, September 26th was another inspiring evening at Barrhaven United Church, where Indigenous and non-Indigenous musicians and an appreciative audience came together in support of MHI’s Odenak Capital Campaign, raising both funds and awareness for this transformative affordable housing and reconciliation project.

Concert guests were encouraged to wear orange in honour of residential school survivors, their families, and communities, in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

It was a night of reflection and new beginnings, as MHI’s brand new Executive Director, Ala’a Shadid, was warmly welcomed to his first Odenak benefit concert.

Rev. Dianne Cardin, the evening’s host and a member of the Musicians for Odenak Planning Group, extended heartfelt thanks to the event’s generous sponsors. Their support ensures that 100% of attendee donations can go directly to the Odenak Capital Campaign:

• TD Canada Trust (Joint sponsorship between two Barrhaven branches and one Manotick branch)
• Scotiabank (Barrhaven branch)
• Rotary Club of West Ottawa
• Rotary Club of Ottawa South
• Barrhaven Lions Club

MHI is proud to collaborate with a team of experts dedicated to bringing the Odenak community to life. Odenak development partner, Dream, assembled a world-class design team led by Perkins & Will and KPMB Architects, supported by Two Row Architect. Dan McTavish, a Design Principal from the Toronto studio of Perkins & Will was on hand at the September 26th concert to provide insight on the vision behind Odenak’s architecture. Dan spoke about how this project blends the area’s industrial heritage with Algonquin and pan-Indigenous values, focusing on elements and concepts such as:

• The Red Road: A spiritual concept reflecting living a good life in harmony with the Creator, nature, and community.
• The land’s history: Geologic time, escarpment forms, biodiversity, and red brick symbolism.
• Gathering spaces for the Odenak community
• Biodiversity & food security: Terraces designed for native plantings and urban agriculture. Tenants will have the opportunity to grow their own food.
• Art and architecture: Odenak features a colour scheme developed with Canadian artists, turning the building into a piece of living art.

Following Dan’s speech, the floor was open to a diverse and powerful lineup of musicians.

Act one:

• Bear Fox (singer/songwriter) opened the show with a dynamic a cappella performance and heartfelt storytelling. After a childhood where she found herself wishing that she spoke more of the Mohawk language like the older generations of her family, Bear now spends time as a teacher of this language.
• Loyda Lastra (flutist) and Amélie Langlois (pianist) followed with a moving performance of "Canción de Cuna" by Samuel Zyman.
• Veronika Jovic (violinist) and Katarina Jovic (pianist) concluded the first half with Violin Concerto in C Major, Op. 48, a piece that Veronica had chosen for the joy that it brings to her.

A lively intermission featured good conversations and Bannock served in a variety of delicious ways.

Act 2:

• Beverley McKiver, (pianist and composer) opened the second half with four pieces from her striking Canadian Floral Emblems series.
• Victor Li (violinist) and Katarina Jovic (pianist) performed Gershwin’s Concert Fantasy on Themes from Porgy and Bess, Op. 19. Victor picked this piece because he feels like it highlights resilience and hope.
• Dr. Paula Conlon (flutist), a most welcome returning performer to this concert series, closed the evening with several Indigenous flute melodies. She brought several traditional flutes and was gracious enough to invite audience members up for a closer look following her performance.

Dedicated volunteers remained in the concert hall until the very end of the evening, resetting the space and counting all the generous donations that had been received. Huge thank you to all members of the Musicians for Odenak Panning Group, you are setting the standard for fun and meaningful event planning. Thanks to everyone’s thoughtful work, it was another great concert and an excellent evening.

The Musicians for Odenak concert series are a part of fundraising efforts for the EOORC’s United We Dream Campaign. To-date, a remarkable $99,082 has been raised for Odenak through congregational giving. EOORC has until June 2026 to reach their $150,000 goal.


Save the Dates – More Concerts Coming to Barrhaven United:

Friday, November 14, 2025
Featuring the Nepean Choir & a special appearance by the Manotick Brass Ensemble. This concert’s title is “Peace in our Galaxy”

Friday, December 12, 2025
​An evening of seasonal music with several church choirs, carol singing, and a moving Christmas fable. Bring your phone to help light up the night during "Peace, Peace, Peace."

Dan McTavish, a Design Principal from the Toronto studio of Perkins & Will, speaking to the audience.