Electric City Culture Council Highlights Events Supporting Black Creators During Black History Month

To mark Black History Month, Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has put together a list of resources to help honour and inform about the legacy of Black Canadians, to support Black causes and Black creators, and to celebrate some of the art being created by Black artists in Peterborough and across Canada.

The founder of the Black Lives Matter movement presence in Canada and Black Lives Matter – Toronto, Sandy Hudson. Hudson will speak at The Trent Student Centre on Friday.

Below are links to events happening in Peterborough to commemorate Black History month, compiled by EC3:

Celebrating Black Joy with Sandy Hudson, founder of BLM Canada. At the Trent Student Centre, hosted by the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) and Black Student Support.
Feb. 18; 12 p.m.

Adult Book Club discusses Gutter Child by Jael Richardson. Presented by the Peterborough Public Library.
Feb. 22, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Diversity & Allyship in the Conservation and Environmental Industry. Live virtual panel discussion, Fleming College.
Feb. 24, 12 - 1 p.m.

Journey to Justice - Film Discussion. Hosted by the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough, via Zoom
Feb. 25, 7 - 8 p.m.

3rd Annual Black History Month Blowout. Held by Black Lives Matter Nogojiwanong (OPIRG).
Feb. 26, details TBA

Local black creators highlighted include:

Black Girls Chatter. Podcast featuring "just a couple of black girls keeping the conversation going.”

Borderless Records. Peterborough-Nogojiwanong based DIY label and collective.

Local collections and organizations include:

Community Race Relations Committee Peterborough. A resource hub for educators, employers, students, youth, and anyone looking for info on race, anti-racism, and anti-discrimination.

Black Lives Matter (BLM) - Nogojiwanong Chapter, in partnership with OPIRG.

Peterborough Public Library presents reading lists, events and more for Black History Month.

Trent Arthur Newspaper has published a series of articles throughout Black History Month, including "The erasure of Canada's racism in public school curricula" by Alicia McLeod; "Canada, the land of equality, diversity, and racism" by Sutton Hanna; and "No black educators" by Shaela McLeod.

EC3 also highlighted films and books that highlight black writers, directors, actors and creatives:

To read:
Borderless Discussions w/ Muna & Sahira Q. A late night roundtable discussion about gender, race, art, performance, community, intersectionality, and so much more. Part of the 2021 Borderless Music & Arts Festival in Peterborough.

Subjects of Desire. (2021). Jennifer Holness, Canada, 103 minutes.

The Porter. TV series (2022-), premiering on CBC Television February 21, 2022.

Learn to Swim (2021), Thyrone Tommy, Canada, 90 minutes.

Bringing Overlooked Canadian Black History to the Fore. The Agenda with Steve Paikin, TVO, February 7, 2022.

To read:
Black Lives Matter Reading List. From the Peterborough Public Library.

Dr. Afua Cooper. Speaker, scholar, historian, author, poet, performer, and social and cultural commentator. Published works include: Black Writers Matter; Dear Canada: Hoping for Home; A Fluid Frontier: Slavery, Resistance, and the Underground Railroad in the Detroit River Borderland; The Hanging of Angélique: the untold story of Canadian slavery and the burning of old Montréal

The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Toronto!. Adrienne Shadd, Afua Cooper, Karolyn Smardz Frost, Dundurn Press, 2009.

Beauty in a Box: Detangling the Roots of Canada’s Black Beauty Culture. Cheryl Thompson, Wilfred Laurier University Press, 2018.

Inspired by Black Lives Matter, over 40 Canadian artists record Freedom Marching. Rebecca Zandbergen, CBC News (web article), February 9, 2022.

Gutter Child: A Novel. Jael Richardson, HarperCollins, 2021.

Black Writers - A Reading List. Published by the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia.

So Since I’m Still Here Livin’: A YouTube Reader. Ed. Kelly Xio, Domain, 2021.

Sisters of the Yam: black women and self-recovery. bell hooks, South End Press, 1994.

Talking Back | thinking feminist, thinking black. bell hooks, Between the Lines, 1989.

Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement. Angela Y. Davis, Haymarket Books, 2016.

How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective. Keeyanga Yamahtta Taylor, Haymarket Books, 2017.

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Trent University to Hold 46th Annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering Virtually

A virtual gathering for the 46th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering for reconciliation through storytelling held by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University from Friday to Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering is an important annual event that connects students, community members and Elders,” says Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, FPHL director. “This year’s theme focuses on Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth, which seeks to honour the voices, histories, and narratives of all our nations through sharing stories and teachings from Elders and knowledge holders.”

Each year, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering offers an opportunity for attendees to share in Indigenous knowledge through workshops, presentations, and performances.

This year’s gathering features keynote addresses from National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Dr. Niigan Sinclair, Sylvia Maracle and Rick Hill, as well as an inspiring line-up of Elders and traditional knowledge keepers sharing their stories throughout the event.

Special for 2022, the three-day conference features an all-new Youth Panel featuring Shina Novalinga, Notorious Cree, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb, and Autumn Cooper discussing how Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth and social change are possible through education via digital and social media content creation.

Indigenous Insights, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering pre-conference will be held virtually on Fri. at 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in collaboration with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. T

his year’s event, Aging with Grace, is sponsored by the Provost’s Lecture Series for Reconciliation, featuring keynote speaker Cliff Whetung from Curve Lake First Nation and a panel discussion with Professor Emeritus Shirley Williams, Dr. Dan Longboat, and M.A. candidate Janette Corston to discuss their experiences combined with Cliff’s research.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Advanced registration for Indigenous Insights and the Elders Gathering is required.

Highlights of this year’s virtual events are listed below. Visit the Elders Gathering website to register and view the full schedule of speakers, workshops and presentations.

Pre-conference Indigenous Insights: Aging with Grace
Fri., Feb. 11, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• Keynote Address: Cliff Whetung, New York University’s Silver School of Social Work

• Panel featuring: Dan Longboat, Shirley Williams, Janette Corston and Cliff Whetung

Day One: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Fri., Feb. 11, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Elders Opening Prayer: Elder Doug Williams and Elder Shirley Williams

• Chief Welcome Addresses: Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations

• Open Comments: Metis Nation Ontario, Trent University, City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, House of Commons and the Provincial Parliament of Ontario

• Keynote Address: National Chief RoseAnne Archibald

• Keynote Presentation: Dr. Niigaan Sinclair

• Simultaneous Panels: Two Spirit and Women in Leadership Panel

• Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel

Day Two: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sat. Feb. 12, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Keynote Address: Sylvia Maracle

• Simultaneous Workshops:

  • Metis Finger Weaving and Inuit Throat Singing & Cultural Reclamation Urban Settings

  • Language & Drumming and Native Women’s Association

• Youth Panel: Notorious Cree, Shina Novalinga, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb and Autumn Cooper

• Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel

Day Three: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sun., Feb. 13, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Keynote Address: Rick Hill

• Closing Words, Gratitude and Prayers: Elders, Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies and FPHL

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Local Entrepreneur To Open This Weekend's PolarFest With a Bang

As PolarFest begins its three-day event this weekend, Adam Brown, Chemong Lodge owner will have his business kick off the opening ceremonies with a fireworks display on Friday night.

Adam Brown, Chemong Lodge owner (left) with Charlie “Woodchuck” Andolek (right) with one of several ice sculptures. The pictured sculpture is incomplete but is a three-dimensional hockey goalie. Photo by Kirtus Evoy.

The event will run from Fri. to Sun. in several townships such as Selwyn, Lakefield and Bridgenorth. Scheduled events include a candlelight skate, ice sculpture show, pancake breakfast and a spaghetti dinner.

"It's an exciting weekend in the fact in the timing of some restrictions being lifted and that we're able to kick on with PolarFest," said Brown. "It's all the great things we can do outdoors and in our within our community and an opportunity to encourage people to get out."

The Lodge will have free coffee, hot chocolate and some treats available during the opening festivities. The fireworks are done by Supernova Fireworks.

The following is a list of events for PolarFest:

Friday

• 7:30 p.m. - Outdoor Opening Ceremony - Chemong Lodge (764 Hunter St. Bridgenorth) - Kick off PolarFest lakeside with a fireworks show by Supernova Fireworks

• 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Skate (Ticketed Event) - Ontario Speed Skating Oval (3358 Lakefield Rd. Lakefield) - Hundreds of lights will guide your way around the Oval! Register for your time slot by visiting ontariospeedskatingoval.com

Saturday

• All Day - Ice Sculpture Show - Cenotaph Park (Bridge St. and Water St. Lakefield) Cenotaph Park will sparkle with exquisite ice sculptures by talented sculptors.

• All Day - Ice People Ice Sculptures - Heritage Park (804 Ward St. Bridgenorth) Using ice from Chemong Lake, The Ice People will fill the park with ice sculptures.

• 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. - Drive-Thru Pancake Breakfast - Causeway Christian Assembly (1307 Yankee Line, Ennismore) - FREE

• Noon to 3:00 p.m. - Nordic Day - Ontario Speed Skating Oval - Stop by Adventure Outfitters (1828 8th Line, Lakefield) to grab your equipment, head to the Oval and enjoy the trail groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

• 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Drive-Thru Spaghetti Dinner - Bridgenorth United Church (832 Charles St. Bridgenorth) - Adults: $12 / Children 7 and under: $7

• 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Skate (Ticketed Event) - Hundreds of lights will guide your way around the Oval! Register for your time slot by visiting ontariospeedskatingoval.com.

Sunday

• All Day - Ice People Ice Sculptures - Heritage Park (804 Ward St. Bridgenorth) Using ice from Chemong Lake, The Ice People will fill the park with ice sculptures.

For a full schedule of events and details, click here.

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Doors Open Peterborough Seeking New Committee Members

The Doors Open Peterborough Steering Committee that plans and runs its annual events are looking for new members to join its team announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of City of Peterborough.

Doors Open Peterborough is a city-wide event in which private and public heritage buildings open their doors (either physically or digitally) to the public for viewing free of charge. Funding for the program is approved by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC).

Peterborough’s event is coordinated by the City of Peterborough as part of Doors Open Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust. The event is a great opportunity for community engagement and education about the City’s built heritage.

As a committee member, individuals will gain valuable skills and experience. Since meetings are held virtually, reliable access to a telephone or computer with an internet connection is essential.

To apply, interested individuals can fill out the volunteer application form online at www.peterborough.ca/heritageevents to indicate your specific skill set and interests. Applicants who cannot access the online application are asked to please call 705-742-7777 ext. 1491 for a hard copy of the form. The deadline for applications is March 4 at 4:30 p.m.

All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Applicants will be contacted individually for a short interview and information session.

In accordance with the City of Peterborough - COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy, all volunteers are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their beginning their volunteer role.

For more information, please visit the Doors Open Peterborough web page: www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/peterborough. 

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4th Line Theatre Digital Festival Of Light And Dark Program Has Been Announced

4th Line Theatre has announced the programming for the second annual Digital Festival of Light and Dark, on Monday.

MOSUN FADARE IN 4TH LINE THEATRE'S 2018 PRODUCTION OF BEVERLEY COOPER'S THE OTHER: A STRANGE CHRISTMAS TALE DIRECTED BY KIM BLACKWELL. PHOTO BY WAYNE EARDLEY - BROOKSIDE STUDIO.

The Festival has provided 10 regional artists with micro-grants to create five-minute digital showcases of their work, and will launch on Jan. 24.

The Festival enables audiences to engage with the artists’ creations from the safety of their own homes, through 4th Line’s digital gallery. The Festival is free of charge to watch.

“We wanted to support local artists. That was the genesis for the idea which ultimately became the Festival of Light and Dark,” said Kim Blackwell, managing artistic director. “These short, digital pieces will be a chance for 4th Line audiences to explore the nature of light and dark through the work of regional artists.”

The projects encompass a myriad of artistic styles from experimental music to abstract painting to short film and more. The topics and issues explored include the synesthetic experience of nature; fear of the dark; and finding the light within during the darkest times.

In ‘Letters in Me’, an Adaptation by Nadia Affolter Lee, a woman writes a letter to depression. Through movement and dialogue, she breaks free and finds light and strength from within, realizing she wants there to be a tomorrow.

Senior Moment by Jack Chesla focuses on a senior couple that have a not-so-sweet solution to a potential package thief in town.

In Every Other Weekend by Mike Moring an all-too-brief weekend visit comes to an end and a father and son are each confronted by their own fear of the dark.

To view the rest of the line up click here.

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St Patrick's Day Parade Cancelled Third Year In A Row

The 2022 St Patrick’s Day parade in Peterborough has been cancelled, announced on Tuesday.

This will be the third year the parade has been cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.

In 2020 organizers waited until two days before the event to call it off. Almost two years into the pandemic, this year they have made the call over two months in advance.

In a Facebook post organizers wrote ‘We have decided that it wasn't in our communities best interests to hold the parade this year.’

They also noted that they have full intentions to host the parade in 2023.

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Township Of Selwyn PolarFest Ready To Make A Splash In February

Selwyn Townships annual PolarFest will happen Feb. 4 - 6.

File Photo.

PolarFest is an outdoor family fesetival hosted every year by the Township of Selwyn. This year due to COVID-19 there are some alterations, but the festival will still happen.

The Opening Ceremony fireworks will be hosted Lakeside at Chemong Lodge at 764 Hunter Street, Bridgenorth, on Feb. 4.

A free pancake breakfast will be hosted at the Causeway Christian Assembly (1307 Yankee Line, Ennismore) on Feb. 5. The event is free, but donations are welcome.

Ice sculptures will be on display at Cenotaph Park, Lakefield and Heritage Park, Bridgenorth. The Ice People of Bridgenorth, Ennismore and Lakefield will be on site at Heritage park on Feb. 5 and invite children to join them in creating their own ice sculptures.

Adventure Outfitters of Lakefield will be providing those interested the opportunity to experience a variety of Nordic Winter Sports. Those interested can visit Adventure Outfitters located at 1828 8th Line, Lakefield and be fitted for the proper equipment.

The speed skating oval in Lakefield will be open for use, as well as trails for cross country skiing and snoeshowing.

The Snowman Challenge will happen all weekend. Participants can build their own and post to Facebook using the hashtag #snowmanchallenge and #polarfest. A prize will be awarded to the best, most creative snowman.

For more events and details click here.

From Feb. 6 - 13 Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield Rotary will be hosting the 42nd Annual Polar Plunge virtually. The Polar Plunge raises funds for local charities and the Rotary Club. Donations are split evenly.

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Fireworks Display in Peterborough And Omemee On New Years Eve

Peterborough and Omemee will ring in the new year with a fireworks display on Friday night.

Stock Photo.

Supernova Fireworks will host the event in Peterborough at Northview Pentecostal Church, at Fairbairn Street and Towerhill Road, Friday, beginning at 8 p.m.

It is assumed that the fireworks should be high enough to be visible from most homes in the city.

Supernova Fireworks is also hosting fireworks in Omemee at the same time on Friday.

This display will take place at Omemee Beach (2 George St S, Omemee).

Supernova is a family run professional fireworks company located in Peterborough.

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Get in the Christmas Spirit With a List of Holiday Markets in the Area

Updated: 1:58 p.m. Nov. 26, 2021.

With Christmas just around the corner holiday craft markets are happening all over Peterborough.

Stock image.

Modern Makers Holiday Market

Nov. 27, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Modern Makers Market (651 Chamberlain St.)

Indoor and outdoor market with vendors, food, Christmas trees and lights.

Holiday Market Open House

Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 617 Golf Course Rd, Douro-Dummer

With artists Thomas Aitken and Kate Hyde (Pottery), Coral Door Studio (Fibre Arts), Christy Haldane (Glass) and Bea Quarrie (Painting)

Pre Christmas Artisan Market

Nov. 27, 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 23 Adelaide St. South, Lindsay

Featured artists include:

Clay Rituals - Sharon Robbins beautiful pottery, including mugs, garlic keepers, bowls and other items.

English Rose Photography - gorgeous greeting cards featuring Julie Walmsley's photography.

Battersbees - Sue Inkersell's honey and bee products

The Sweet Kitchen - Jen Arnold's baking and seasonal treats

Christmas Market and Snowflake Tea

Nov. 27 and 28. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Hutchison House Museum (270 Brock St.)

The Hutchison House volunteers will host their annual Christmas market and Snowflake Tea. The market runs from 10 AM to 12 PM. Please note that there will be no Attic Treasures this year. There is a limit of four people in the sale room at one time.

Winter Creators Market

Nov. 28 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Douro Arena (2893, HWY 28, Douro)

Free admission, advent calendars and hot chocolate with over 30 local vendors.

Peterborough Museum & Archive Pop-Up Gift Shop

Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (270, George St. N)

Shop a unique selection of locally made gifts, as well as accessories and treasures. Free Festive gift wrap available. Cash and credit/debit accepted.

The Havelock Winter Market

Nov. 27, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Havelock-Belmont-Methuen (1 Ottawa St. E.)

A winter farmer and artisan market run by the Havelock Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas Market

Dec. 4, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. All Saints' Anglican Church (235 Rubidge St.)

Highlights include:
Lunchroom*, Bake Table, and Artisan Vendors
*those eating in the Lunchroom will need proof of full vaccination

Also, don't miss the Kids Corner, including a free gift table for children to select a gift for parents or caregivers.

To volunteer or sign up as vendor, email christmasmarket@allsaintspeterborough.org

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Buckhorn Festival of Trees Brings the Christmas Spirit to the Community Centre

The Buckhorn Community Centre is hosting their annual Festival of Trees, starting on Sunday and invites visitors to get in the Christmas spirit in multiple ways.

The annual festival beginning on Sunday features 35 - 40 trees displayed inside the community centre. Trees have been sponsored by local families and businesses.

Tea and Tree days invite guests to admire the display while enjoying some tea and treats. These days will happen on Nov. 22, Nov. 29, Dec. 1 and Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Seating is limited to four people per table. This event requires pre registration and costs $10 per person.

Wine and Tree days are on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m.

This event allows eight people per table and costs $18 per person. Charcuterie snacks will be served, drinks will be extra.

Tickets to both events must be purchased in advance by calling the BCC at 705-657-8833.

Tree Days are on Sunday , Nov. 28 and Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no admission fee.

At all three events gusts can purchase tickets for a chance to win Christmas décor.

The draw for the décor will take place on Dec. 13 with refreshments served from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The draw will take place at 1:30 p.m.

In the spirit of Christmas the BCC is also hosting a wreath making workshop.

Participants will join professionals in making unique Christmas wreaths out of recycled window frames. Workshops are Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Cost is $15 and covers all materials. Space is limited. To register call 705-657-8833.

The BCC is also hosting an outdoor Country Christmas Party Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Register by Dec 1. 705-657-8833

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