Lessons from the Land
We respectfully acknowledge that we are 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.
We respectfully acknowledge that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
For many years, the New Canadians Centre organised Multicultural Canada Day on July 1, a celebration of the rich diversity of culture that we enjoy in Canada and locally here in Peterborough. With food and performances from around the world, it was one of our region’s largest annual events and an opportunity to show pride in being Canadian.
As an organization, we have reflected on the important work of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and our role in helping more people settle on lands stewarded by Indigenous Peoples. The historical treatment of Indigenous Peoples was violent and unjust; and racism and discrimination towards Indigenous Peoples persist today.
In this context, July 1 represents an opportunity to pause and reflect on our path forward. We invite you to join us every July 1 for an important day of learning and reflection with programs and activities at "Lessons from the Land" in Nogojiwanong.
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.
Saturday, July 1, 2023
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Beavermead Pavilion
2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9L 1P8
All activities are family-friendly. Children should be accompanied by a caregiver.
Please pack a reusable water bottle, dishes, utensils and snacks; there is a water fountain on-site. Lunch will be provided by Thomas Olszewski’s Grandfather’s Kitchen.
Please bring your own chair or blanket, as activities will be conducted on the grass as much as possible.
Lessons from the Land - July 1 In-Person Program Schedule
9:15 AM
9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 - 1:00 PM
12:30 - 1:00 PM
12:45 PM
1:00 - 3:30 PM
1:00 - 3:30 PM
1:00 - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM
Sign-in for Guided Nature Walk 1 (pre-registration required)
Welcome & Opening
Nature Walk 1 starts
River Race
Quilt Stories of Reconciliation
Community Lunch - Grandfather's Kitchen
Dance/Drum Circle
Sign in for Guided Nature Walk 2 (pre-registration required)
Nature Walk 2 starts
Quilt Stories of Reconciliation
Beading Circle
Closing
Welcome & Closing: Janet McCue and Linda McCue
Janet McCue is the lead singer with Wishkiigomang Hand Drummers from Curve Lake. She will be joined by her sister Linda McCue.
Emcee: Czarina Garcia, Coordinator, Community Race Relations Committee
Guided Nature Walk
Join Patricia Wilson for a guided nature walk through Beavermead Park. Patricia is the founder of Diverse Nature Collective - a grassroots organisation that works to empower, mobilize and create space for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour within the environmental movement and reduce barriers to accessing nature.
There is a limit of 30 participants for each walk; pre-registration is required. Please meet at the Beavermead Pavilion at the sign-in time and ensure that you have good walking shoes and water. The walk will take place rain or shine, so please dress for the weather.
Walk 1: 9:30 - 12:00pm (sign-in: 9:15am) OR
Walk 2: 1:00 - 3:30pm (sign-in: 12:45pm)
Free Plants (9:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
Pick up a free sweetgrass or white sage plant sourced from the GreenUp Ecology Park Native Plant nursery (while supplies last).
There will be two concurrent activities taking place at Beavermead Pavilion - please join in if you are not participating in the medicine walks!
River Race
Join Kelsey Roote and Ziigwan LaPointe from TRACKS Youth Program for an engaging activity. This game explores the journey of different fish in the Trent-Severn Waterway and the challenges they have got in their spawning grounds. There is some Anishinaabemowin incorporated, as well as the positive and negative impacts humans have on fish populations in this territory.
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Quilt Stories of Reconciliation
Learn more about this transformative group quilt project by the Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group (KTRSP) that explores the legacy of residential schools through intricate patterns and stitched fabrics. Guided by Pam Hart, "Quilt Stories" creates a safe space for healing, education, and dialogue, inviting reflection on historical injustices and fostering a deeper understanding of truth, reconciliation, and cultural appreciation.
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
& 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Dance & Drum circle from the Land
Led by Janet McCue
Janet is the lead singer with Wishkiigomang Hand Drummers from Curve Lake. All are welcome. Please join us with an open mind to learn and to share.
Time: 12:30 - 1:00 PM
Orange Shirt Pin Beading Kits
We have partnered with Cedarlilie Bead Shop, owned and operated by Dominique O'Bonsawin, an Abenaki and French-Canadian artist, to bring you these Orange Shirt Pin Beading Kits.
Beadwork is a significant part of Indigenous culture and grounds many teachings. 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 beading kit at the NCC office (221 Romaine St) and join the beading circle on "Lessons from the Land" on July 1 between 1:00- 3:00pm (while supplies last), lead by Susan Byrne, She Gathers Flowers by the Water. If you can’t make it, you can also follow Dominique's tutorial online.
Missed out on the kit? You can gather your own supplies with this list.
Virtual Education Hub
We celebrate the heritage of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and commit to sharing Indigenous history, languages and culture with newcomers and refugees as important steps toward education and reconciliation.
In the Virtual Education Hub, you will find resources to learn more about Indigenous history, culture and teachings.
"Lessons from the Land" is made possible through the generous support of:
