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National Indigenous History Month

Honouring Indigenous History and Culture in June

This June in recognition of National Indigenous History Month, the City of Peterborough is proud to offer a series of training opportunities and events that foster understanding, respect, and reconciliation.

Training workshops

Date: Wednesday, June 18
Time: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Peterborough Public Library
345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough, ON K9H 3V7
Cost: Free. Registration is not required.

Join us for an in-depth Cultural Competency session focused on the history and lasting impacts of Residential Schools in Canada. This session includes a screening of the powerful documentary We Were Children.

Note: This film contains mature content and may be emotionally triggering. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

Learn more about this event

Date: Monday, June 23
Time: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Peterborough Public Library
345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough, ON K9H 3V7
Cost: Free. Registration is not required.

This interactive workshop engages participants in group activities exploring the historical and intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous Peoples. Topics include racism, discrimination, stereotypes, and healing through culture.

Learn more about this event

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Date: Saturday, June 21

Join us for a full day of celebration, reflection, and learning with free, family-friendly activities across the city.

Strawberry Ceremony
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Millennium Park (Gathering Place at King Street and Water Street)
Cost: Free. Registration is not required.

Begin the day with a traditional ceremony in a space of peace and reflection. 

We are encouraging people to bring their hand drums and rattles/shakers.

Children’s Activities
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Peterborough Public Library Main Branch
345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough, ON K9H 3V7
Cost: Free. Registration is not required.
Enjoy hands-on, educational activities led by the Indigenous Advisor and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services (DBCFS).

Hand Drumming and Song
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Miskin Law Community Complex
271 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough, ON K9J 1Y8
Cost: Free. Registration is not required.Experience the rhythms and stories of traditional hand drumming in a gathering of community and culture. Families are encouraged to attend.

Cardboard Creations with Vanessa Dion Fletcher
Time: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Miskin Law Community Complex
271 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough, ON K9J 1Y8
Cost: Free | All Ages (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Pre-registration required – limited spaces available.

Join Lenape and Potawatomi neurodiverse artist Vanessa Dion Fletcher for a hands-on sculpture workshop inspired by her public artwork Resonant Harmony, newly installed at Miskin Law. Learn about Vanessa’s creative journey, explore her cardboard cutting and joining techniques, and create your own piece.

Register for the Cardboard Creations workshop

Let’s Learn and Honour Together

This June, take the opportunity to listen, learn, and celebrate the histories, contributions, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. All are welcome.

For more information, please contact:
Shelley Knott, Indigenous Relations Advisor: Sknott@peterborough.ca 

Acknowledging the Land

We respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and treaty territories of the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include the Anishinaabeg peoples of Hiawatha, Curve Lake,  Alderville, Beausoleil, Georgina Island, Rama, and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island.

For thousands of years, the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg have lived in reciprocity with these lands, guided by traditional knowledge, ceremony, and responsibility. These Nations continue to uphold their responsibilities as stewards of the lands, waters and caretakers of knowledge.

We also acknowledge the lasting impact of those treaties, including the injustices they entailed and the continued strength, resilience, and resurgence of Indigenous communities today.

As we live, work, and gather here, we are called to reflect and act on our responsibilities in the spirit of reconciliation, respect, and partnership.

We offer our gratitude and commit to meaningful action that honours the past, supports the present, and contributes to a just future for Indigenous peoples.

Contact Us

City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9

Phone: 705-742-7777
Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755
Email Us

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