Recognizing Indigenous History Month, Public Invited to Flag Raising and Workshops

The Municipality of Kincardine recognizes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples this June for Indigenous History Month.

Indigenous History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the histories, sacrifices, culture, contributions, and strengths of Indigenous Peoples, recognizing that knowledge is a key component of the journey towards reconciliation. 

For Indigenous Peoples, the month is an invitation to celebrate history in the spirit of pride and preservation; For non-Indigenous Canadians, it’s an opportunity to learn and recognize the role Indigenous Peoples have played - and continue to play - in shaping Canada.

At 9:30am on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Municipality of Kincardine will raise the “Every Child Matters” Flag at the Davidson Centre.

“Raising awareness around Indigenous History, including the devastating discoveries from former Residential Schools, is one way we’re taking meaningful action on a journey towards reconciliation,” said Mayor Gerry Glover.

The Municipality of Kincardine is also launching two new workshops in June and July, both aimed at providing truthful education around Indigenous History.

History of the Land from a first Nations, Métis, and Inuit Perspective will be held virtually on June 14, from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. The workshop is facilitated by the Historic Saugeen Métis and available for registration at kincardine.ca/historyoftheland.

The Truth work of reconciliation for Settler peoples – Virtual Series – 3

The following three sessions are interconnected and therefore participants need to commit to attending all three sessions to get the most from the learning.  There will also be a list of readings in between classes.  

Facilitator – Kelly Laurila  

Session 1: Tuesday, July 5, 1:30 to 4:00

There will be discussion of Indigenous knowledges that will serve to provide context for understanding the colonial impacts on Indigenous peoples, as well as offer a pathway forward with reconciliation. An overview of the Truth and Reconciliation process, importance of truth before reconciliation, and understanding oneself in relationship to the land and Indigenous peoples.

Session 2: Tuesday, July 12, 1:30 to 4:00

Discussions of Indian Residential Schools, unmarked graves, and/or the tragic historical and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples can raise feelings of shame, guilt, denial, and/or avoidance and/or they may prompt such questions as: "Why didn't I know this?" or "How could this have happened?" or "What does this have to do with me?" We are going to discuss and work through the logic of colonial processes behind these feelings and questions which have enabled historical and ongoing harms.

Session 3: Tuesday, July 19, 1:30 to 4:00

Reconciliation is a journey without an end. How can the spirit of reconciliation be envisioned in all our relations? Decolonization, allyship, United Nations Declaration of Indigenous peoples' Rights (UNDRIP) and Bill C-15 will be discussed along with implications for equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging; and applications in policies, practice, and engagement with Indigenous peoples.

Register Here

Learn more about both workshops at kincardine.ca/journey-to-reconciliation.