The Town of Pelham’s recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day and ongoing efforts of reconciliation were on display June 21.
Led by Mayor Marvin Junkin, dozens of local residents and town officials gathered at the Meridian Community Centre (MCC) to raise an Every Child Matters flag in recognition of the trauma, abuse, and attempted cultural genocide Indigenous Peoples have experienced since colonialism took root in Canada.
Following the flag raising, the MCC opened its doors to a day of learning and friendship. A morning seminar, Connecting the Seven Teachings, was led by Nokomis Migizinz Cindilee. Cindilee, an Anishinaabe woman, is a Physical Grandmother and a Spiritual Grandmother Women Bundle Carrier.
In the afternoon, Josphenie Lavalley, who is an Iroquois woman from Six Nations, led a drumming workshop that included a water ceremony with moon water, smudging, drumming, singing, and interactive learning.
During his morning address, Junkin reminded those on hand that while it is important to recognize the lives, struggles, and generational trauma of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, it is not reserved for just one day or one month; that reconciliation is the responsibility of all Canadians, whether that be active contributions and teachings, or be it simply taking the time to learn.
“This year, in addition to today’s events, the Town is offering for the first time as part of the Summer Chill event in Peace Park tomorrow [June 22], an Indigenous Pop-Up Market,” he said. “These events continue the work being done to create opportunities for residents to learn and support Indigenous presenters and makers as we continue the path to reconciliation. We are fortunate … to have community partners who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, so we can have opportunities that will continue to open up space for the voices to be heard, and for us to continue to learn.”
The final event of yesterday’s celebrations was a Cultural Roots of Lacrosse Workshop. It was by the Fuse Lacrosse Club, which is an Indigenous-owned partnership. The workshop focused on the traditional teachings of lacrosse and acknowledged its traditional roots as the Creator’s game and medicine game from the Haudenosaunee people.