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.
Monday, July 1, 2024
9:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Nicholls Oval Pavillion (Nogojiwanong-Peterborough)
(If driving, enter through 725 Armour Road)
(If walking/biking, enter through 116 Rotary Greenway Trail)
All activities are family-friendly. Children should be accompanied by a caregiver.
Please bring a reusable water bottle, a dish pack (bowl, plate, spoon, fork) 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
9:00 AM
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
1:30 - 1:45 PM
1:45 - 3:45 PM
Welcome & Opening
Sign-in for Guided Medicine Walk
Medicine Walk starts
Toppling Towers with TRACKS
Cedar Bundles with Jaida Ponce
Community Lunch by Grandfather's Kitchen
Songs and Dances from the Land - Drum Teachings
Closing
Beading Circle - Red Dress Pin
(optional afternoon activity)
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: Mauricio Interiano, Community Engagement Officer, New Canadians Centre
9am - Poems from the Land
Poet Sarah Lewis will start the day before all the activities commence, reciting her poetry and setting a reflective and inspirational tone for the events to follow.
Sarah Lewis (she/her) is an Anishnaabe Kwe (Ojibwe/Cree) spoken word artist, activist, community organizer and mother. She has ancestral roots in Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario as well as Pukatawagon, Manitoba. She was Peterborough’s Inaugural Poet Laureate from 2021-2022 and was a semi-finalist at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word in 2019.
9:30 - 11:30am - Guided Medicine Walk
Join Caleb Musgrave, Head Instructor from Canadian Bushcraft and Patricia Wilson, founder of Diverse Nature Collective, for a guided medicine walk through Nicholls Oval Park.
There is a limit of 35 participants for the walk; pre-registration is required. Please meet at the Nicholls Oval 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.
9:30 - 11:30am
There will be two concurrent activities taking place at Nicholls Oval Pavilion.
Please join in if you are not participating in the medicine walk!
Toppling Towers
Join staff from TRACKS Youth Program on this collaborative game all about the key components of a healthy ecosystem.
Learn about what Indigenous Knowledge has to do with the balance of critical environments, all while engaging in a fun game.
All TRACKS workshops combine Indigenous Science and Western Science within an environmental context. All workshops will relate to the natural world and encourage kids to think about their responsibilities to the land.
Cedar Bundles
Join Jaida Ponce, a Kichi Siibi Niizi Mnidoo Anishinaabe youth from Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, for an enlightening cedar workshop.
Attendees will have the opportunity to try cedar tea while learning and engaging in its cultural significance, teachings, and inherent gifts. Explore the wisdom of the medicine wheel, with a focus on cedar's role. Participants will harvest cedar, fostering a profound connection. The workshop will conclude in crafting cedar bundles using provided ribbons.
12:30 - 1:30pm - Songs and Dances from the Land - Drum Teachings
Led by Meeg Snake
John "Meegwans" Snake is an Ojibwe-Bodewadomi, Turtle clan, from Aamjiwnaang First Nation. He currently resides in Peterborough, Ontario with his wife and children. He is a proud father of four, whom he travels with to various powwows throughout Canada and the United States. Meegwans has been a singer for 35+ years and has been fulfilling duties as Master of Ceremonies and Arena Director at various celebrations within the powwow world.
Meegwans is grateful for the teachings he has received from his father and many adopted uncles and grandfathers which has allowed him to maintain proper etiquette and protocols within our celebrations.
All are welcome. Please join us with an open mind to learn and to share. Please be mindful to respect the drum and dancers' regalia and not to touch them or photograph them without permission.
1:45 - 3:45pm - Red Dress Pin Beading Circle
Join Lesley Snake, a member of the Dakota-Ojibwe Nations, Bear clan, and a registered band member of Birdtail Sioux First Nation located in Manitoba, as she leads a beading circle. Discover the cultural significance of beadwork while creating your own Red Dress Pin.
Learn how this symbol honors missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities.
All materials will be supplied. There is a limit of 35 participants for this workshop.
Red Dress 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 Red Dress Pin Beading Kits.
Beadwork is a significant part of Indigenous culture and grounds many teachings. The Red Dress stands as a poignant symbol, honoring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and highlighting the ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous peoples.
If you are not attending the beading circle on July 1st you can Pick up a free beading kit at the NCC office (221 Romaine St) after July 1st and follow Dominique's tutorial online.
Missed out on the kit? Kits and other beading supplies can be purchased here.
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:
