National Indigenous History Month

The Town of Pelham recognizes the significance of National Indigenous Peoples Day, and as such will have a flag raising ceremony. Please join us on June 21st. 

Where: Pelham Town Hall, 20 Pelham Town Square

When: Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 10:00 AM

What to expect: Members of the community are invited to attend, and those attending are encouraged to wear orange. 

About the flag that will be raised: 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.

Bench Dedication: 

In 2022, a new orange bench dedication took place in Peace Park. The bench was provided through the generous donation of an anonymous Pelham resident. Included on the bench is the following inscription:

"They tried to bury us, they didn't know we were seeds." 

Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 71 to 76

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! 

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

When: Friday, June 21st, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

Explore Indigenous vendors in this expanded pop-up market as part of the Thursday Night Pelham Summer Chill experience! The Pelham community will have the opportunity to shop and support local, as well as connect with Indigenous art and culture. 

Where: Peace Park - 20 Pelham Town Square 

When: Thursday, June 20th, 2024 4:00 - 9:00 PM 

Apply to be a Vendor Here!

Drawing from Indigenous creation stories and traditional teachings and illustrated in dazzling watercolors, I Sang You Down from the Stars is a tribute to the bond between mother and child.

The Lincoln Pelham Public Library is providing a Story Walk being displayed starting Wednesday June 19 - Monday June 24 in Peace Park. 

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day - a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. National Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly known as National Aboriginal Day, was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc.

The LPPL is hosting two workshops for National Indigenous History Month. 

Mika Wooley from Indigenous Dreams is leading the dreamcatcher and medicine wheel workshops at the Fonthill Branch in June. 

June 13: Make a Dreamcatcher

June 15: Medicine Wheel Bracelet

The Town of Pelham encourages residents to learn more about Indigenous communities with the following resources.

Read:

• Indigenous Collection at Lincoln Pelham Public Library
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports, found here
• TRC Calls to Action 

Visit:

• Sites on the Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Map of Niagara by Landscape of Nations

Learn about the different Indigenous organizations in Niagara and check out the programs and services they offer. You can also sign up for their newsletters and attend local events.

Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC) 

Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (FENFC) 

Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)

Niagara Chapter - Native Women (NCNW) 

Niagara Region Métis Council

Indigenous Youth Employment Training (NPAAMB) 

Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC) 

De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre is based in Hamilton, but is increasing its outreach services in Niagara

Indigenous Health Network is part of the HNHB LHIN working with health and social service providers to address the health needs and issues of local Indigenous communities

The Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre produced a docuseries highlighting Indigenous history in Niagara. 

Watch the series here: 

• Part 1: focuses on how life was before contact with settlers and the Indigenous contributions to the War of 1812
• Part 2: looks at the tragedies of the residential school system, the 60's Scoop, and the Millennial Scoop, and their impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities in the present
• Part 3: discusses racism in Canada today and how the community is healing with all the trauma they have experienced

A National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support to former students.

This 24-Hour Crisis Line can be accessed at: 1-866-925-4419.

Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Indigenous Canada is for students from faculties outside the Faculty of Native Studies with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous / non-Indigenous relationships. Learn more here. 

Find out and learn about whose traditional territory you live on by visiting https://native-land.ca/. Learn more about the original caretakers of the land you now inhabit, their history, and the current issues that affect their communities.

Interact with this virtual map and discover the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples who may live around you.