National Indigenous Peoples Day Event: Ode’miin Giizis (Strawberry Moon) Celebration

Pete Fisher
5 months ago
• Categories: Upcoming Events

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Northumberland County EarlyON Centres and the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, in collaboration with Alderville First Nation, are hosting a free Indigenous cultural event. The event is open to the public and suitable for all ages, offering a unique opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of Indigenous culture.

Event Details:

· Date and Time: Friday, June 21, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

· Location: Cobourg Community Centre

750 D’Arcy St, Cobourg, ON K9A 0G1

Themed as the Ode’miin Giizis (Strawberry Moon) Celebration, the event will feature interactive activities, drumming, singing, food, and presentations on the history of the Michi Saagiig Peoples, delivered by Indigenous leaders. This celebration will be an important community educational opportunity to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture, language, and traditions to help foster greater understanding and respect.

“Understanding and appreciating Indigenous culture is crucial for fostering reconciliation and mutual respect in our community. On National Indigenous Peoples Day, I encourage everyone to take the time to learn, reflect, and act in support of our shared responsibilities as Treaty people,” remarked Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander. “This event will be an opportunity to learn and engage with Indigenous traditions and to acknowledge our shared responsibilities to respect and uphold the treaty rights and privileges we all enjoy today. This means recognizing the importance of these agreements and working together towards reconciliation by honoring our commitments and building a more inclusive community for everyone.”

The event will include a territorial welcome by Anishinaabeg Nation Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke, Indigenous poetry and teachings from Sarah Lewis of Curve Lake First Nation, song and drumming by Rod Nettagog of Henvey Inlet First Nation, and presentations on the history of the Michi Saagiig Peoples by Brian Beaver from Alderville First Nation. The event also includes many interactive activities for young children, food, and displays for people of all ages. Full details can be found at: Northumberland.ca/ StrawberrryMoon.

“Building strong partnerships and engaging in cultural education is key to honoring Indigenous traditions and creating a more inclusive community,” stated Cynthia Gray, Program Manager at the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre. “This celebration is a testament to the power of collaboration and the richness of Indigenous heritage. We look forward to celebrating at the Ode’miin Giizis (Strawberry Moon) Celebration, deepening everyone’s understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and history, and supporting the path of reconciliation.”

Event Highlights:

· Welcome to the Territory:

· Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke, Anishinaabeg Nation

· Strawberry (Ode’miin) Teaching:

· Cynthia Gray/Kim Lamothe, Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre

· History of Alderville First Nation and the Michi Saagiig Peoples:

· Brian Beaver, Alderville First Nation

· Indigenous Poetry and Teachings:

· Sarah Lewis, Curve Lake First Nation

· Words, Drumming, and Singing (Supported by Loyalist College

· Rod Nettagog, Henvey Inlet First Nation

Activities Include:

· Learning about local Indigenous history

· Interactive activities for children

· Singing and drumming sessions

· Ojibwe language presentations

· Indigenous food tasting

· Creating your own Ode’miin Giizis coloured button

Information Displays:

· Alderville First Nation history books for sale

· Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre Display

· Dibaajimowin Cultural Centre

· Indigenous Medicines

· Sarah Lewis’s Indigenous poetry for sale

· EarlyON Child and Family Centres

· Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board Indigenous Education

Northumberland County and Northumberland EarlyON Centres appreciate the partnership with the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre to make this event possible, with special thanks to Alderville First Nation for their collaboration, and Loyalist College for funding support for the presence of Rod Nettagog.

For full details and timing for the activities, please visit: Northumberland.ca/StrawberryMoon.