Photos: City of Peterborough Proclaims Red Dress Day For Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

City Hall was covered in red dresses to mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S) in a ceremony on Monday morning.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Mayor Jeff Leal proclaimed Monday as Red Dress Day, recognizing Indigenous women who were missing or murdered throughout Canada.

“Red Dress Day is a powerful reminder of the heartbreaking and ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada,” said Leal. “The red dresses hanging in silence call out for justice, action and for the recognition of lives lost and families forever changed. On the National Day of Awareness, I encourage all residents of Peterborough to take a moment to reflect on the lives behind the statistics, and to consider hanging a red dress in a window, on a porch, or in a public space as a powerful symbol of remembrance and solidarity.”

The ceremony had smudging, drumming and singing, speeches and stories told throughout the event. A red flag with a black handprint was flown at half-mast as City Hall to mark the event.

“We cannot turn away from the systemic racism and gender-based violence that have made Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people disproportionately vulnerable,” said Shelley Knott, Advisor, Indigenous Relations with the City of Peterborough. “As a country, and as a community, we have a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to act. On this National Day of Awareness, we ask that you stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in honouring the memory of those who are missing or murdered—and in committing to a future where all people can live in safety, dignity and respect.”

City Hall’s windows have red dresses hung inside to show solidarity with the event.

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City of Peterborough to Mark Red Dress Day On Monday

Red Dresses will be hanging in the windows of City Hall to mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S) on Monday.

File Photo.

Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim May 5 as Red Dress Day during a commemorative ceremony on Monday at 10 a.m. at City Hall. All are welcome to attend. 

“Red Dress Day is a powerful reminder of the heartbreaking and ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada,” said Leal. “The red dresses hanging in silence call out for justice, action and for the recognition of lives lost and families forever changed. On the National Day of Awareness, I encourage all residents of Peterborough to take a moment to reflect on the lives behind the statistics, and to consider hanging a red dress in a window, on a porch, or in a public space as a powerful symbol of remembrance and solidarity.”

“We cannot turn away from the systemic racism and gender-based violence that have made Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people disproportionately vulnerable,” said Shelley Knott, Advisor, Indigenous Relations with the City of Peterborough. “As a country, and as a community, we have a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to act. On this National Day of Awareness, we ask that you stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in honouring the memory of those who are missing or murdered—and in committing to a future where all people can live in safety, dignity, and respect.”

The ceremony will include a smudging ceremony, singing, traditional drumming and speeches from local dignitaries.  

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Peterborough Public Library Hosting Interactive Community Art Installation For Red Dress Day

The public is invited to a community art installation of ‘The Red Dress’ hosted and occuring at the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space in the Peterborough Public Library at noon on Monday.

According to Statistics Canada, more than 63 per cent of Indigenous women in Canada have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Public Library.

The event is in recognition of Red Dress Day, which is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+) according to the Library.

The dress is on display from April 28 to May 5. The installation invites the community to contribute pieces of red fabric, yarn, beading or other textiles to help create a large, collective red dress. All are welcome to participate and materials will also be provided on site for those who wish to contribute in the moment.

There will be an opening ceremony and smudging with Drumming in the Legacy Space at noon.

Daily smudges will take place each morning from April 29 through May 5 as the installation continues to grow with community contributions.

This project has been developed in partnership with Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle and the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre.

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Peterborough Petes to Celebrate Indigenous Heritage Night For Thursday's Game

The Peterborough Petes will host their annual Indigenous Heritage Night with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre against the Windsor Spitfires this Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Kory Parkin and the Peterborough Petes.

This year, the Petes will again use the attached logo designed by Kory Parkin, an Indigenous Painter & Digital Creator from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. The logo highlights the traditional name of Peterborough, Nogojiwanong, meaning ‘place at the foot of the rapids.’

“Since the land today is preoccupied by many Indigenous groups I thought it would best represent those who came before by changing Peterborough to the name it went by before,” said Parkin. “Known as a great fishing spot and the word meaning, place at the end of the rapids, that’s why I included the canoe and the water behind to give a rapid look to the water.”

The pre-game ceremony will include a land acknowledgement, a ceremonial faceoff including representatives from Crowe’s Gas, Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation and the National Anthem, which Curve Lake First Nation School will sing.

Throughout the game, fans can see dance ceremonies and dancers from Alderville First Nation on the ice at the intermissions and in the lobby. There will also be storytelling on the video board throughout the game, including Sky Woman and Turtle Island.

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The Chemong Portage 'Right of Way' Project Installation Nears Completion

A new public art installation, Right of Way, featuring work from Indigenous artists celebrating the traditional Chemong Portage route, is being installed and will be completed this month.

Right of Way is the latest project funded through the City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program. File Photo.

It is a commemorative project featuring works by Indigenous artists Tia Cavanagh, David Beaucage Johnson, Yvonne Garbutt, William Kingfisher, Josh Morley and Nuin Tara Wilson.

The City of Peterborough commissioned the artists to create original artwork for vinyl wraps to be installed on traffic signal cabinets and electrical supply boxes at intersections close to what is thought to be the traditional route of the Chemong Portage. Each artwork represents a traveller on the route. Together, the project tells the portage story and makes history visible says Shelley M. Knott, the City's Advisor, Indigenous Relations.

“Right of Way serves as a powerful bridge between past and present, visually highlighting deep connections to land and space while honouring Indigenous people along the historic Chemong Portage,” she said. “It invites both residents and visitors to connect with and respect the enduring legacy of this route.”

The route begins at Dalhousie and George Streets and continues north through downtown, crossing intersections along George and Water Streets until it reaches Brock Street. From there, it veers west, weaving to Parkhill and Chemong roads. It then follows Chemong Road to Broadway Boulevard.

“Public art transforms everyday spaces into places of meaning and connection. Right of Way beautifies our city and honours the stories and culture of the Indigenous peoples who travelled the Chemong Portage. It’s a celebration of history, told in vivid, modern form, that invites everyone to reflect and engage,” said Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Lesley Parnell.

Installation began in September and is expected to be completed in mid-November.

Finishing touches include mounting an information panel and portage map at each intersection. The panel also features links to an audio recording of ‘The Story of the Chemong Portage’ by Gidigaa Miigizi (Doug Williams), read by Anne Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation. The recording is in Anishinaabemowin and English. 

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Events and Programs to Mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

city of peterborough photo

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important opportunity to reflect on our histories, learn about the injustices committed against Indigenous communities and dedicate ourselves to contribute toward reconciliation,” stated mayor Jeff Leal. “As a community, we need to take meaningful action to fulfil our collective commitment to reconciliation. I encourage everyone to take part in the activities organized by groups across our community.”

The Every Child Matters flag will be flown at City Hall for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Programs and Activities:

Peterborough Public Library

Adults and Teens

• Sept. 24: Adult Book Club - Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

• Sept. 27: Quilling with Sandra D. Moore

• Oct. 10: Just Get Over It: Exploring Stereotypes, Biases and Racism Between Indigenous Peoples and Settlers

• Oct. 17 - 22: Secret Path Film Viewings

Children

• Sept. 27: PA Day: Rabbit & Bear Paws - The Way with Chad Solomon

• Oct. 17: Indigenous Bilingual Story Time

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives is offering an Every Child Matters and reading centre and children’s activity during the month of September.

It’s also providing Every Child Matters stickers, buttons and bookmarks to encourage participation and learning through its National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The exhibition “Watershed” is on display until Oct. 6.

It features work by Mary Anne Barkhouse, John Boyle, Brad Copping, Liz Magor, Stan Olthuis, Amanda Strong and Olivia Whetung.

Other Activities

Canadian Canoe Museum - Sept. 24 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.: reading, Q&A and book signing of “North of Nowhere, Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner” with Marie Wilson, the 2024 Jack Matthews Fellow.

GreenUP and Kawartha Land Trust - Sept. 25 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Oct. 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Saving Native Seeds is a two-part workshop series.

Learn how to collect and save seed from a variety of native trees, shrubs, forbs, grasses and sedges.

Part I is at Ecology Park and Part II is a field trip to the Dance Nature Sanctuary.

Artspace - Sept. 27 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.: launch and celebration of the Maker Space Mural, Niimikaage: she/he dances for a purpose, by Anishinaabe artist Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin)

Curve Lake First Nation - Sept. 28 (all day): 5th annual Mnoominkewin Gathering at Lime Kiln Park.

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City of Peterborough's Every Child Matters Community Project Accepting Submissions of Kids Artwork

The City of Peterborough invites local youth ages seven to 11 to submit artwork for an Every Child Matters community project that honours the victims, survivors and families of the Residential School system.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Artwork should reflect the theme, “What Does Truth and Reconciliation Mean to Me,” and be submitted for consideration by July 15.

The artwork selected for this project will be used to create a design that will be painted on a sidewalk or trail crossing. This will create a place where residents and visitors will be encouraged to pause, reflect, and continue to learn about the legacy of residential schools and the importance of reconciliation.

"“Throughout the year, this space will serve as a powerful reminder of the legacy of residential schools, honouring the healing journey of survivors and families,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It is a call to action to our whole community to engage in the ongoing work of reconciliation. The City of Peterborough, and City Council, remain committed to reconciliation and building positive relationships with our Indigenous residents and our First Nations neighbours.”

The project is expected to be installed in September 2024, aligning with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The location will be confirmed later this summer. Throughout September, the Peterborough Public Library will display an exhibition of artwork submitted for this project.

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City's Public Art Program Seeking Indigenous Artists to Commemorate Chemong Portage

The City of Peterborough Public Art Program invites Indigenous visual artists living in Peterborough and local First Nations to submit proposals for a public art project to commemorate the Chemong Portage.

The Public Art Policy, adopted in 2009 and updated in 2022, recognizes the role public art plays in creating culturally vibrant cities, identifies processes for generating and selecting projects and committees and commits an annual Public Art fund to maintain existing artworks and to commission new projects from artists across the country. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The Chemong Portage is an approximately 10-kilometre-long footpath and portage that once ran between Nogojiwanong/Peterborough and gchi-maang (Chemong Lake).  

The intent of Right of Way - The Chemong Portage Project is to commemorate the portage in a way that allows people to experience it. Visual artists are invited to submit digital images of their original artwork. Selected images will be printed onto vinyl media and wrapped around traffic signal cabinets located close to what is thought to be the original portage route.  

“This is a great initiative to highlight the cultural richness of the Michi Saagiig and educate the city and visitors that they are on an historical portage route of our communities,” said Tom Cowie of Hiawatha First Nation.

The call for artists, including more information about the project parameters with tips about the application process, is on the City’s Public Art webpage at peterborough.ca/PublicArt.  

Information sessions 

Artists are encouraged to attend one of three information sessions in early June. Public art program staff will be in attendance to answer questions.   

Hiawatha First Nation Cultural Centre 

June 3 at 3:30 p.m.  

431 Hiawatha Line  

Hiawatha First Nation  

Peterborough Public Library  

June 3 at 6:30 p.m.  

345 Aylmer St. N, Peterborough 

Curve Lake Nation Cultural Centre  

June 4 at 4:30 p.m. 

1024 Mississauga St.

Curve Lake First Nation 

The application deadline is June 25 at 4 p.m. All applications must be submitted online. 

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Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act (Bill 31) To Be Presented For Third Reading

The Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act will be presented for a third reading on March 25, 2025, announced by Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith on Friday.

The second reading passed unanimously at Queen’s Park in early March last year. pHOTO courtesy of Dave Smith.

In the First and Second World Wars, roughly 7,000 First Nations individuals volunteered to serve. As a result, many who served were stripped of their rights for a time away from the reserve. Indigenous veterans able to retain their status were often ineligible for benefits available to non-Indigenous veterans following the wars.

If passed, the bill will create an award for Cadet Corps and Squadrons at the Annual Ceremonial Reviews. They will select a member who has displayed exceptional volunteerism and citizenship over the previous year for a new award from the province of Ontario, the Murray Whetung Community Service Award.

“Murray Whetung was a pillar in our community. He volunteered fight in the Second World War and dedicated his life to family and service. I was honoured to receive his endorsement for this legislation before his passing,” said Smith. “This bill does more than recognize the life of one man; it seeks to teach others of the injustices First Nations veterans faced for risking their lives in service to Canada.”

“My Shomis (grandfather) was humbled when MPP Smith approached him about the idea of an award named after him. My Shomis did what he thought needed to be done and didn’t expect special recognition,” Emily Whetung, Curve Lake First Nation former Chief. “He was a shining example of choosing happiness in the face of adversity and an inspiration to so many of us.”

The third reading will follow the Opposition Day Motion and will be live on the Legislative Assembly video feed.

“I’ve long stood proud on November 11 because of the commitment and sacrifice he has made and as our second Remembrance Day without him approaches I can’t think of a better way to celebrate his memory,” said Whethung. “Chi-miigwetch for learning our history and ensuring it is remembered by cadets across Ontario.”

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Trent University Hosting Feeding Our Spirit: 48th Annual Elders Gathering This Weekend

Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples will come together at Trent University in Peterborough and Durham filled with learning, community and connection as part of the 48th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, hosted by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies from Friday to Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Every year, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering brings together elders, knowledge holders, community members, students and allies for a weekend of learning and renewal,” says Dr. Dawn Memee Lavell-Harvard, director of FPHL. “This year’s theme centres on the importance of land-based learning and cultural connection through teaching, performance arts and traditional foods. The Elders Gathering is a celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis vibrancy and resiliency.” 

The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering allows attendees to share in First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultural knowledge through workshops, presentations, and performances. This year’s theme is focused on culture and land-based reclamation. 

Keynote Addresses 

This year’s Gathering features keynotes from high profile Indigenous leaders, including: 

• Niigan Sinclair, assistant professor from University of Manitoba, popular media commentator on Indigenous issues, and son of Senator Murray Sinclair; 

• Tony Belcourt, founding president of both the Native Council of Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario; 

• Albert Marshall, elder from the Mi’kmaw Nation who coined the phrase Two-Eyed Seeing/ Etuaptmumk as a principal for cross-cultural collaborative work; 

• Dr. Sylvia Maracle O.C., former executive director of the Ontario Federation of Friendship Circles and Trent honorary degree recipient; and, 

• Jessica Outram, citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, author of the newly released middle-school novel Bernice and the George Bay Gold, grade school educator and an instructor in Trent’s School of Education. 

• Trent’s Durham campus in Oshawa will host the Gathering on Friday, with an address by Dr. Sylvia Maracle, fire teachings and a drum circle, along with an Indigenous vendors market.  

Performances 

Performance art takes centre stage throughout the weekend with opening ceremony highlights on Friday night including: 

• Drum group Medicine Sky with pow wow dancer Kelli Marshall 

• Inuit throat singers Heidi Langille and Lynda Brown 

• Métis fiddler Alicia Blore and Métis jigger Auriele Diotte 

• Fashion show by Anishnaabe designer Ocean Kiana 

• Film screening in partnership with ReFrame Film Festival.  

On Saturday evening, Michi Saagiig artist Mr. Sauga will perform in the Great Hall of Champlain College. 

Workshops 

Interactive workshops to be held throughout the weekend include Inuit throat singing, Métis fiddling and jigging, language lessons, Inuit Elder teachings with Sheepa Papatsie, and smoking fish, among many others.  

A special highlight of the weekend is a sold-out feast on Saturday evening, which will feature the unveiling of the crest and colours of the University’s newest college, Gidigaa Migizi College, named in honour of beloved alum, professor and community leader, Doug Williams ’69.  

All Elders Gathering activities, except the sold-out feast on Saturday, are open to members of the community. Admission is $30; free for Elders, students, and youth under 24. All tickets include lunch, admission to all keynotes and workshops, and access to the vendor market.  

Indigenous Insights, the Elders Gathering pre-conference sponsored by the Provost’s Lecture Series for Reconciliation, will be held on Friday, February 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in collaboration with Trent University, Peterborough Public Health, Fleming College and Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre. Dr. Darrel Manitowabi, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, will deliver the keynote, Fostering Mino-Bimmaadiziwin: Indigenous Health in the 21st Century, followed by a panel of Indigenous health and cultural experts. 

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