On National Indigenous Peoples Day, join in one of four different events to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. See below to learn more or visit www.pelham.ca/june21

Flag Raising

When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 8:00 am

Where: Meridian Community Centre – 100 Meridian Way

Description: Members of the community are invited to attend, and those attending are encouraged to wear orange. The “Every Child Matters” Flag will be raised during this time to celebrate First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures. It is inclusive of all Indigenous communities, and reiterates the importance of bringing awareness to the residential school system. The flag that will be raised has been smudged with sweetgrass and sage. Ktunaxa artist Carol Louie provided the art for the feather and ideas for the design. Robert Louie (Ktunaxa) and Denice Louie (Athabascan) completed the design work in collaboration with their summer youth worker Gabe Kobasiuk (Cree).

Connecting the Seven Teachings

When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Where: Meridian Community Centre, 100 Meridian Way

DescriptionL Nokomis Migizinz Cindilee (Anishinaabe Maliseet) is a physical Grandmother and a spiritual Grandmother. She actively works and engages in various capacities of Traditional Knowledge sharing in Halton, Hamilton and Niagara. Since 2007, her work has been in education working in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary as a professor, educator, academic coach, and cultural liaison – sharing teachings and history. Registration is required. Please contact the RCW Intern, Sam Pinckney, at 905-732-7886, or by email at rcwstudent@pelham.ca.

Drumming Workshop

When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Where: Meridian Community Centre (MCC Courtyard), 100 Meridian Way

Description: Join us on National Indigenous Peoples Day for an in-person drumming presentation with Josephine Lavalley, Onondaga from Six Nations. Josephine is a yoga teacher, qigong instructor, reiki master, & Indigenous drummer! The presentation will include a water ceremony with moon water, smudging, drumming, singing, and lots of interactive learning! Registration is recommended, although not required. Please contact the RCW Intern, Sam Pinckney, at 905-732-7886, or by email at rcwstudent@pelham.ca.

Cultural Roots of Lacrosse 5:00 – 6:30 pm

When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Where: Meridian Community Centre, 100 Meridian Way

Description: The Town of Pelham is excited to offer a workshop led by FUSE Lacrosse Club, an Indigenous owned partnership that offers youth a chance to play and experience the game of lacrosse. The owners, Seth “Blue” Hill, Cassidy Doxtator, and Jace Sowden, are all Haudenosaunee or status Indigenous people. The owners are former lacrosse players with an extensive playing and coaching background. Their mission is to empower youth and provide them with the fundamental tools to be successful both on and off the field. Workshops focus on the traditional teachings of lacrosse and acknowledge its traditional roots as the creator’s game and medicine game from the Haudenosaunee perspective. Registration is required. Limited spaces available. Please contact the RCW Intern, Sam Pinckney, at 905-732-7886, or by email at rcwstudent@pelham.ca.