National Indigenous History Month 2024

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement for National Indigenous History Month.

As we begin National Indigenous History Month, I encourage all City of Peterborough residents to take time to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions, rich histories, and vibrant cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

Our city is situated on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg, and it is vital that we recognize and respect the deep connections that Indigenous Peoples have to this land.

National Indigenous History Month is a time for all of us to engage in learning and understanding the diverse histories, languages, and ways of life of Indigenous Peoples. It is also a time to learn about the injustices they have faced and continue to face, to reflect on our shared history, and to commit ourselves to the ongoing work of reconciliation. We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go toward reconciliation and eliminating discrimination against Indigenous people.

The Government of Canada will be highlighting specific aspects of Indigenous history, cultures and perspectives throughout the month of June:

• June 1 to 9: Environment, traditional knowledge and territory
• June 10 to 16: Children and youth
• June 17 to 23: Languages, cultures and arts
• June 24 to 30: Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people

As part of National Indigenous History Month, I proclaim June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day in the City of Peterborough.

I encourage all residents of Peterborough to use this time to strengthen our relationships with Indigenous communities by participating in the events and activities planned for this month, listening to the stories and wisdom of Indigenous elders, and supporting Indigenous artists, businesses, and initiatives.

Resources

• National Indigenous History Month, Government of Canada resources
• National Indigenous Peoples Day, Government of Canada resources
• Learning resources about First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Government of Canada
• Reconciliation: A Starting Point app
• Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Commission to learn more about the tragic legacy of residential schools, the experiences of families and Survivors as well as the 94 Calls to action to start the healing process.
• Read documents from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to learn about the impacts that colonialism and racism still have today on the lives of Indigenous women and girls as well as on their families and communities.
• 13 Historical Facts about Indigenous People in Peterborough area, Trent University

City activities and programming during National Indigenous History Month

Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.

Children and Families

• Celebrate Indigenous Heritage: Friday, June 7, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
• Indigenous Bilingual Story Time presented in partnership with Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre: Thursday, June 13, 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Teens and Adults

• Beaded Strawberry Moon Key Tags Workshop: Saturday, June 8, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Adult Book Club – The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters: Tuesday, June 25, 2 p.m. (in person) and 7 p.m. (online)
• Indigenous History Month Reading Challenge on Beanstack, June 1 – 30 (online) 

Peterborough Museum and Archives, 300 Hunter St. E.

• Smudging station (smoke free) available for everyone at entry
  
• Current temporary exhibition features Indigenous Storytelling 
• Blog post on repatriating sacred and ceremonial objects
• Animal Backpack Adventures, free drop-in activity for children, featuring Indigenous content

Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St.

Visit the Antoine Mountain exhibition, Et’sehch’i; Traditional Dene Burial Practices, at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St., until June 30, 2024.

Public Art Projects

Call for Indigenous Artists: Right of Way – The Chemong Portage Project

The City of Peterborough Public Art Program invites Indigenous visual artists living in Peterborough and local First Nations to submit proposals for a public art project to commemorate the Chemong Portage.

The intent of Right of Way - The Chemong Portage Project is to commemorate the portage in a way that allows people to experience it. Details about the application process can be found at peterborough.ca/RightofWay.

Vanessa Dion Fletcher to create artwork for Miskin Law Community Complex

Vanessa Dion Fletcher, a celebrated First Nations artist, has been awarded a commission to create an artwork for the City’s new community complex that will include a twin-pad arena and a library branch. The artwork unveiling will coincide with the grand opening of the community complex this fall.

Dion Fletcher will create the focal point for the impressive two-storey atrium that will feature an east-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows at the main entrance to the Miskin Law Community Complex at Lansdowne and Park streets. The artwork will build on the City’s commitment to create awareness of Indigenous cultures, peoples, and heritage. The commissioned work will provide insight into First Nations teachings, ethos, and spirit of sport as well and the role sport plays in building relations.

Visit the Nogojiwanong Project

Everyone is invited to visit the Nogojiwanong Project located at the south end of Millennium Park. This project was a collaboration undertaken in the spirit of kinship between local First Nations, Indigenous peoples, and the City of Peterborough in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20. Through the collaboration, this gathering space was created to encourage learning and reflection with a series of interpretive panels highlighting the evolution of local treaties and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. The sculpture “Gathering” by Michael Belmore provides the focal point for the space.

Nogojiwanong Fringe Festival

The Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF) is the world's first and only Indigenous Fringe. As part of the vibrant and growing international family of Fringe Festivals, NIFF is committed to connecting communities by providing access for artists to performance opportunities and providing access for community members to varied and innovative performances.

This year’s performances will take place June 21 to 23. A full schedule and locations of performances is available online at indigenousfringefest.ca.