June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
Today is both the Summer Solstice and Canada’s Indigenous Peoples Day. County of Renfrew shared a media release reminding residents that this is the 25th anniversary of celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. The release quoted Warden Debbie Robinson saying, “I would encourage everyone to take the time to commemorate and learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, stories, experiences and histories of the Algonquin people, and other First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. Recently, a dark and horrific piece of history came to light as the remains of hundreds of children were discovered at the former residential school site in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation (Kamloops). We must continue to learn new truths and unlearn old ideas; we must listen to indigenous voices and continue to build meaningful dialogue with the elders and leaders of our indigenous communities.”
To provide more insight for our readers and to remind them of the importance of this day, please follow some of the links below:
The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation: Enjoy a virtual video celebration of the Summer Solstice including cultural elements and an address by Chief Wendy Jocko on YouTube/Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation.
Later today The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn will hold a Community Feast featuring a drive-through take-out meal at the PowWow Grounds prepared by Anishnaabe chef Justine Deschenes of Kitigan Zibi. To learn more about Chef Justine and indigenous cooking, follow her on Facebook Facebook/Justine Cooks
Ottawa Valley Community Arts: The Valley’s local art community recognizes and celebrates all the unique heritage, culture and outstanding contributions to arts and culture by our First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. Roberta Della Picca, a long-time contributor, board member and friend of Ottawa Valley Community Arts, reads an original poem and discusses the importance of this day. View this on Facebook/Ottawa Valley Community Arts
World Indigenous Music Summit: As previously reported, the 2021 International Indigenous Music Summit was held virtually in Ottawa earlier this month. Some of the videos remain on YouTube; click HERE to check them out.
A new Fathers Day podcast
Oh! Henry: The Opeongo Line celebrated Valley fathers yesterday with a new two-part podcast in which two of Henry Nicholson’s children and one of his grand children read a rich autobiographical summary of Henry’s life and times. Barb, Kate and Dan then followed with a discussion about the one and only Henry Nicholson. Born at the outbreak of the Great War and passing away 93 years later in 2007, he lived most of his life in Barry’s Bay where by the early 1960s he became a beloved coach who helped launch Little League Baseball in Barry’s Bay and where he was known far and wide in the lumber industry as a man of infinite jest. Click on https://btconway.podbean.com anytime to hear a great story.
Pembroke Regional Hospital Catch The Ace jackpot won
The Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation announced on June 18 that the Ace of Spades was “caught” on week #17 in their second Catch the Ace lottery supporting the Cancer Care Campaign. The lucky winner, Joseph Caterino, took home an amazing prize of $74,753. Caterino’s winning ticket #Q-4862880 was drawn from the electronic generator and he chose Card #15 which revealed the Ace of Spades!
Killaloe Farmers Market opens season June 26 with a 70s theme
Despite some last-minute hiccups, Killaloe Farmers Market confirms that it opens for the 2021 season on Saturday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Market runs weekly from June until Thanksgiving at the Killaloe Lions Field, 1 Lions Lane, Killaloe (turn off Queen Street at Lions Lane/Mike’s Tire). Vendor spots still available for That ’70s Market Back-to-the-Land Celebration — artisans and crafters welcome.
