The Town of Collingwood is celebrating National Indigenous History Month and honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day this month through activities, events, and ceremonies designed to recognize the heritage, culture, customs, languages and traditions of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people.
Throughout June, residents and visitor can take in various initiatives supported by the town and in collaboration with community groups and organizations.
The town's StoryWalk will feature a book called Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes, written by Wab Kinew. The book will be displayed for the month of June in weatherproof cases set up along the train trail that begins at Collingwood Museum (45 Paul Street) and to Collins Street.
There will be a beading workshop at Awen Gathering Place on Sunday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a Change of Seasons ceremony organized by the Collingwood Indigenous Circle.
The bead workshop is free, but registration is required at collingwood.ca/seasons.
The Change of Seasons ceremony takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. and will be led by knowledge keepers James and Lori Kewaquom, who will share Indigenous teachings and honour the Summer Solstice. Jennifer McFarlane and Heather McIntyre will host the gathering and will welcome Ashunyung, a drum group from Georgina Island. There will also be a sacred fire, Inuit games, and Indigenous vendors.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is Wednesday, June 21. On that day, Amanda Rheaume will be at the Collingwood Amphitheatre from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. to perform original music as part of the town's Live and Original series. Rheaume is Métis and a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. From the International Indigenous Music Summit to the newly founded Ishkode Records and National Indigenous Music Office, the goal of raising Indigenous sovereignty in the music industry drives all Rheaume’s work.
The Collingwood Public Library staff have curated a collection of books by Indigenous authors, and offer to help patrons find stories of history, culture, and resilience, told through books, films, documentaries, and music.
The town also encourages residents to listen to podcasts sharing Indigenous perspectives, and to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.
You can learn more about the land you're living on by reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action online here.
For more information visit www.collingwood.ca/seasons.
