Free Access to the Canadian Canoe Museum and Voyageur Tours Highlight This Year’s Canada Day Celebrations
/By Scott Arnold
A voyageur canoe experience, Indigenous-led learning and free admission to the Canadian Canoe Museum are among the highlights of Lessons From the Land, returning to Peterborough on Canada Day.
the new canadians centre has a full day of canadian day activities planned in peterborough (photo courtesy of NCC via the canadian canoe museum)
The New Canadians Centre is once again inviting the community to spend July 1 learning, reflecting and connecting through Indigenous culture, knowledge and experiences at Lessons From the Land.
Running from 9:30 am to 1 pm at the Canadian Canoe Museum, the annual gathering offers a mix of cultural teachings, hands-on activities, family-friendly programming and opportunities to connect with both the land and water.
The event grew out of the New Canadians Centre's reflection on Truth and Reconciliation and its role in helping newcomers settle on lands that have long been stewarded by Indigenous Peoples. Rather than holding a traditional Canada Day celebration, the organization now uses July 1 as an opportunity for learning, reflection and relationship-building.
One of the biggest draws this year is the opportunity to get out on Little Lake aboard a voyageur canoe. Guided by staff from the Canadian Canoe Museum, participants can paddle together in a traditional-style canoe while learning about Canada's paddling heritage. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
The experience doesn't end when the event wraps up. Participants can receive a stamp from the information booth for free admission to the Canadian Canoe Museum beginning at 1 pm, giving attendees the chance to explore the museum's exhibits and collections after the morning's activities.
a community drum circle led by janet and linda mccue will open canada day acitivities in peterborough (photo courtesy of the new canadian centre)
Schedule of Events
9:30 am – Opening Ceremony and Community Drum Circle
The day begins with a community drum circle led by Curve Lake's Janet McCue and Linda McCue.
A longtime advocate and community leader, Janet McCue has spent decades supporting Indigenous education, social justice initiatives and community outreach throughout Peterborough and the surrounding area.
10:30 am to 12 pm – Choose One Activity
Participants can select from four concurrent activities.
Voyageur Canoe Tour
Take to the water on Little Lake with the Canadian Canoe Museum team. No paddling experience is required.
Children must be accompanied by a caregiver, participants must weigh at least 30 pounds, and all paddlers will be provided with a personal flotation device. Registration is required and participation is limited to 35 people.
River Race
Led by the TRACKS Youth Program, this interactive activity explores the journeys of salmon, eels and sturgeon through Lake Ontario tributaries. Participants will learn about local waterways, ecological challenges and the role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in understanding and caring for the environment.
Lessons of the Land: From Traditional Medicines to Sustainable Futures
Robyn Ivory of Indigenously Infused will share teachings about traditional medicines, sustainable harvesting and reciprocity with the land, while exploring how Indigenous stewardship practices continue to shape communities today.
Quill Workshop
Curve Lake artist Donna Jacobs will lead participants in creating an orange shirt pin using porcupine quills she has harvested and prepared herself.
Jacobs began beading as part of her healing and sobriety journey and now creates beadwork, quillwork and paintings using natural materials. A limited number of free kits will be available, while additional kits can be purchased. Registration is required.
12 pm to 12:30 pm – Community Lunch
A lunch prepared by Thomas Olszewski of Grandfather's Kitchen will be served.
The meal will feature Three Sisters Soup, made from corn, beans and squash, ingredients that have long been grown together by Indigenous Peoples because each plant supports the others. Bannock will also be served, along with teachings about the significance of strawberries, known in Anishinaabemowin as the "heart berry."
Participants are asked to bring their own dish pack, including a bowl, plate, spoon and fork.
12:45 pm – Closing Gathering
Janet and Linda McCue will close the event with a final gathering before participants head off to enjoy the museum.
1 pm – Free Admission to the Canadian Canoe Museum
Anyone attending Lessons From the Land can receive a stamp from the information booth for complimentary admission to the museum.
What to Bring
Attendees are encouraged to bring:
A reusable water bottle
A bowl, plate, spoon and fork
Snacks
A lawn chair or blanket
