As an organization, the New Canadians Centre said they have reflected on the important work of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and their role in helping more people settle on lands stewarded by Indigenous Peoples.
“The New Canadians Centre is committed to walking alongside Indigenous peoples, to celebrate Indigenous culture and knowledge, and to help heal and grow relationships between Indigenous Peoples and settlers,” said Mauricio Interiano, NCC’s community engagement officer.
Celebrating the richness of multiculturalism and our clients’ pride in being Canadian remains a cornerstone of NCC’s work. Please join us in our week-long celebration of the Canadian Multicultural Festival from June 23 to June 30 in addition to our month-long Multicultural Food Crawl.
Program:
Free Plants (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Pick up a free sweetgrass or white sage plant sourced from the GreenUp Ecology Park Native Plant nursery (while supplies last).
Welcome (9:30 a.m.)
Janet McCue is the lead singer of Wishkiigomang Hand Drummers from Curve Lake. She will be joined by her sister Linda McCue.
Guided Nature Walk (9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.)
Join Patricia Wilson for a guided nature walk through Beavermead Park. Patricia is the founder of Diverse Nature Collective – a grassroots organization that works to empower, mobilize and create space for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour within the environmental movement and reduce barriers in accessing nature.
Morning Activities (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
TRACKS Program: Join Kelsey Roote and Ziigwan LaPointe from TRACKS Youth Program for an engaging River Race game! This game explores the journey of different fish in the Trent-Severn Waterway and the challenges they have getting to their spawning grounds.
Quilt Stories of Reconciliation: Join Pam Hart from Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group (KTRSG) and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of a group quilt project that delves into the legacy of residential schools.
Community Lunch catered by Thomas Olszewski's Grandfather’s Kitchen (12 p.m. - 1 p.m.) – please bring your own dishes (bowls, plates, utensils) where possible
Dance & Drum Circle (12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.) led by Janet McCue
Afternoon Activities (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Quilt Stories of Reconciliation: Join Pam Hart from Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group (KTRSG) and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of a group quilt project that delves into the legacy of residential schools.
Beading Circle: The Orange Shirt serves as a powerful symbol, representing the legacy of residential schools and reminding us of the profound impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities. Pick up a free Orange Shirt beading kit from Cedarlilie Bead Shop at the NCC office (221 Romaine St) or at Lessons from the Land. Join the beading circle at Lessons from the Land led by Susan Byrne, She Gathers Flowers by the Water. You can also follow Cedarlilie’s tutorial online.
Closing led by Janet and Linda McCue
‘Lessons from the Land’ is organized by the New Canadians Centre and supported by Canadian Heritage, United Way of Peterborough & District, TRACKS Youth Program, Community Race Relations Committee, Diverse Nature Collective, and the Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group.
The New Canadians Centre Peterborough is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil and Georgina Island First Nations.
