Events and Programs to Mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

city of peterborough photo

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important opportunity to reflect on our histories, learn about the injustices committed against Indigenous communities and dedicate ourselves to contribute toward reconciliation,” stated mayor Jeff Leal. “As a community, we need to take meaningful action to fulfil our collective commitment to reconciliation. I encourage everyone to take part in the activities organized by groups across our community.”

The Every Child Matters flag will be flown at City Hall for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Programs and Activities:

Peterborough Public Library

Adults and Teens

  • Sept. 24: Adult Book Club - Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

  • Sept. 27: Quilling with Sandra D. Moore

  • Oct. 10: Just Get Over It: Exploring Stereotypes, Biases and Racism Between Indigenous Peoples and Settlers

  • Oct. 17 - 22: Secret Path Film Viewings

Children

  • Sept. 27: PA Day: Rabbit & Bear Paws - The Way with Chad Solomon

  • Oct. 17: Indigenous Bilingual Story Time

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives is offering an Every Child Matters and reading centre and children’s activity during the month of September.

It’s also providing Every Child Matters stickers, buttons and bookmarks to encourage participation and learning through its National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The exhibition “Watershed” is on display until Oct. 6.

It features work by Mary Anne Barkhouse, John Boyle, Brad Copping, Liz Magor, Stan Olthuis, Amanda Strong and Olivia Whetung.

Other Activities

Canadian Canoe Museum - Sept. 24 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.: reading, Q&A and book signing of “North of Nowhere, Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner” with Marie Wilson, the 2024 Jack Matthews Fellow.

GreenUP and Kawartha Land Trust - Sept. 25 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Oct. 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Saving Native Seeds is a two-part workshop series.

Learn how to collect and save seed from a variety of native trees, shrubs, forbs, grasses and sedges.

Part I is at Ecology Park and Part II is a field trip to the Dance Nature Sanctuary.

Artspace - Sept. 27 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.: launch and celebration of the Maker Space Mural, Niimikaage: she/he dances for a purpose, by Anishinaabe artist Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin)

Curve Lake First Nation - Sept. 28 (all day): 5th annual Mnoominkewin Gathering at Lime Kiln Park.

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New Canadians Centre Launch Canadian Multicultural Festival For June

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In celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, the New Canadians Centre (NCC) is organizing the Canadian Multicultural Festival for the month, announced at Fresh Dreams on Tuesday.

Hillary Flood, Peterborough DBIA vibrancy manager (left); Ty Nguyen, NCC community engagement assist (middle) and Andy Cragg, NCC executive director enjoying food from Fresh Dreams as part of the Multicultural Food Crawl. Last year, the NCC supported over 2,000 newcomers from more than 100 countries around the world. This is the highest number of clients ever and a 50 per cent increase over the previous year. Photo courtesy of the New Canadians Centre.

The festival is a series of programs and events celebrating multiculturalism in Peterborough.

A Multicultural Food Crawl, with 10 participating restaurants, was announced at the event to let the public experience culturally diverse flavours in Downtown Peterborough.

The locations are as follows:

  • Ariyana

  • Bhojan

  • Cork & Bean

  • Curry Village

  • Fresh Dreams

  • La Mesita Restaurante

  • Levantine Grill

  • Milk + Tea Shop

  • Oasis Mediterranean Grill (OMG)

  • Village of Thai

For every $10 spent during June, festival goers receive a stamp in your Multicultural Food Passport. Six stamps enter them into a draw to win one of three $100 Boro Gift Cards.

Passports are available at the NCC or any of the participating 10 restaurants.

“In Spain, our culture, our unity, and our love starts from the table where we spend hours talking with families and friends while sharing family-style meals, said Monica Silva, Fresh Dreams owner. Through my dishes and Fresh Dreams, I want to show the community a part of Europe and my culture.”

NCC’s 45th Anniversary Block Party will give samples from each participating restaurant at 221 Romaine St. on June 28 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (while supplies last).

The public can vote for their favourite restaurant of the crawl for a chance to win a $25 Boro Gift Card. Tag @newcanadianscentre #multiculturalfoodcrawlptbo on social media with your experience to be entered.

The NCC has several other Canadian Multicultural Festival events throughout June:

  • June 19: Bollywood Dance Party & Marketplace at Millennium Park

  • June 20: “Our Home” – World Refugee Day Community Conversation in collaboration with the Peterborough Public Library

  • June 22: Zumba Party at Quaker Foods City Square

  • June 23: Jollof Rice Cooking Class at New Canadians Centre

  • June 24: Language Exchange (Arabic, French, Spanish, Hindi) at New Canadians Centre

  • June 25: Coffee and Tea Tasting – Sip Around the World at the New Canadians Centre

  • June 28: NCC’s 45th Anniversary Block Party at 221 Romaine Street

“Celebrating the richness of multiculturalism is at the heart of community-building,” said Andy Cragg, NCC executive director. “We may be one small organization in one part of a huge country, but in celebrations like these and in the work that the New Canadians does every day, we are on the front lines of building an inclusive and prosperous multicultural society.”

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PVNCCDSB Students and Staff Kick Off May By Celebrating Asian Heritage Month

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As May is celebrated as Asian Heritage Month, Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board (PVNCCDSB) staff and students embraced the various cultures with a ceremony at Holy Cross Secondary School on Wednesday morning.

Caitlyn Chan Reynolds displays her art piece before pvnccdsb students and staff at Holy Cross Secondary School. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The celebration’s theme was “Stories of Determination,” representing the strides made and the challenges Asian communities have overcome to thrive in Canada over the last two centuries and beyond.

“With the increasing diversity in our student population and in our communities, it is so important to allow voice for our students and families to really honour who they are and all of use to acknowledge the pieces of history that brought us to where we are,” said Dr. Cynthia Chan Reynolds, PVNCCDSB psychologist and manager of student services. “We need to honour all of our students so acknowledging the heritage pieces of our students is really key.”

There was an opening ceremony that featured cultural performances, an art exhibit by a local student and a display of traditional Asian attire from students.

Several speakers shared their lived experiences of immigrating to Canada or being born as first-generation with Asian descent. They also talked about initiatives against anti-Asian racism.

Reynolds adds that this assembly is all about awareness and allowing those with Asian heritage to fully embrace their authentic selves without judgment.

“That's part of the pieces in terms of Asian culture. We are brought up in a space of compliance and respect,” explained Reynolds. “The people-pleasing piece aspect of many of our 'model-minorities,' it is assumed that compliance and agreement is safety. I think we have to open up what safety means in terms of being able to be our authentic self.”

The staff, students and guests were treated to varieties of Asian cuisine following the ceremony.

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David Tuan Bui


Fleming College Organizing Week-Long Events To Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Fleming College has organized a week’s worth of events and activities to honour the day on their campuses beginning on Monday.

A children’s shoe collection will be on display at Sutherland, Frost and Haliburton Campuses from Monday through Friday, recognizing, remembering, and honouring Indigenous Children who were lost to Residential Schools.

Nish Tees, a local Indigenous business, will be selling orange shirts throughout the week at scheduled times. All proceeds will be donated to the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

A full schedule of events can be found below:

Sutherland Campus:
Orange shirts will be on sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Shirts are $20 each for students, $25 for the rest of the Fleming community.

Monday, Sept. 25:
Welcome and Drum Opening: Main Foyer, 10 – 11 a.m.
Orange Shirt Beading: Main Foyer, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 26:
Reading of “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt”: Main Foyer, 10 – 11 a.m.
Screening of “The Secret Path”: Whetung Theatre, B3 100, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 27:
Orange Rock Painting: Steele Centre Patio, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 28:
Reading of “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt”: Main Foyer, 1 – 2 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29:
Rock Painting and Orange Shirt Beading: Main Foyer, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Frost Campus

Thursday, Sept. 28 and Friday, Sept. 29:
Reading of “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt”: ISS Lounge 180A, 12 – 12:30 p.m.
Orange Rock Painting: ISS Lounge 180A, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Haliburton Campus
Wednesday, Sept. 27:
Orange Shirt Sales and Orange Rock Painting: The Great Hall, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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Photos: Opa! Greek Festival Booms After Three-Year Hiatus With Dance and Traditional Cuisine

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Over 2,000 people came and went at the return of the Greek Festival from a three-year hiatus, held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Sunday. Traditional Greek favourite meals such as souvlaki, gyros, baklava and Greek salad were served at the event. Dancing, a kids’ fun zone and live entertainment were the amenities offered during the festival.

New Canadians Centre Launches Multicultural Food Crawl For June

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The New Canadians Centre (NCC) and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (PTBO DBIA) have put on a fun and delicious way to celebrate diversity with the Canadian Multicultural Festival during all of June, announced at Poco Burro Burritos on Thursday morning.

(from left to right) Minal Burdrani, Poco Burro co-owner; Tu Nguyen, NCC community engagement assistant; Andy Cragg, NCC execcutive director and Sunny Dalia, Poco BUrro co-owner. Poco Burro had opened at the former Jimmy Guaco’s location on Nov. 7. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The festival is being kicked off with the launch of the Multicultural Food Crawl involving 10 Downtown Peterborough restaurants.

For every $10 spent during June, a stamp is given for your Multicultural Food Passport. Six stamps enter food lovers in a draw to win one of three $100 Boro Gift Cards. Passports can be collected at the ten participating restaurants or at NCC.

The following are the Downtown restaurants:

  • Bhojan

  • Brothers Pizza

  • Curry Mantra

  • Dirty Burger

  • La Hacienda

  • La Mesita

  • Levantine Grill

  • Milk and Tea Shop

  • Naka Japanese

  • Poco Burro Burritos

On June 24, free samples from the 10 restaurants are available from noon to 7 p.m.

Participants can vote for their favourite restaurant on the food crawl online where two posts are chosen at random to win a $25 Boro Gift Card. Tag us to share your experience @newcanadianscentre #multiculturalfoodcrawlptbo We will draw 2 posts at random to win a $25 Boro Gift Card!

“Journey through the culinary world in downtown Peterborough,” said Hillary Flood, PTBO DBIA communications and marketing manager. “We are very excited to support the New Canadians Centre for the second Canadian Multicultural Festival and to recognize the hard work of these newcomer entrepreneurs.”

In addition to the Food Crawl, there are several Canadian Multicultural Festival activities for the month of June:

  • June 24: Family Zumba party at Peterborough Square Courtyard

  • June 26: An introduction to Cricket with the Peterborough Cricket Club at New Canadians Centre

  • June 27: “Healing & Hope – Reflections on the Refugee Experience” Community Conversation at the Peterborough Public Library

  • June 28: Try Vietnamese Cooking at New Canadians Centre

  • June 29: K-Pop Dance Workshop at YMCA

  • June 30: Crafts from around the world at New Canadians Centre

  • June 30: Salsa Dance Night at Quaker City Square

“Celebrating the richness of multiculturalism is a cornerstone of our work,” said Andy Craig, NCC executive director. “We are so fortunate to share in unique customs, music, dance, food, sports and stories that contribute to a vibrant community.”

June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

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Photos: St. John C.E.S Students Get a Taste of French Culture at Delectable Fine Foods

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France came to grade 4-8 students from St. John’s C.E.S as they received a French culture and history lesson from Delectable Fine Foods owner Christel Rumgay at her store on Monday and Tuesday.

Students learned the origins of cheese, its making process and how it impacts French culture, all while receiving food samples.

The trip to the local artisanal store is part of St. John’s French learning curriculum based on the French Enriched School Environment Funding grant (up to $500).

The grant allows schools to explore unique experiences for learning about the French beyond its language.

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Electric City Culture Council Cancels Upcoming Artsvote Meeting

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The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has cancelled the Artsvote Peterborough candidates meeting for this Tuesday due to COVID-19.

Open Mic poetry at the Silver Bean Café on May 4. Photo courtesy of EC3 and Andy Carroll.

This decision comes as Peterborough Public Health raised the COVID-19 Risk Index to ‘very high’ on Wednesday and recommends people avoid indoor social gatherings.

EC3 staff are currently dealing with COVID-19-related illnesses.

Due to the nature of the event, where the public and candidates sit together face-to-face to have discussions, EC3 says they felt it is best to make this call.

EC3 and the Artsvote Peterborough Coalition are currently developing an alternate plan for candidates to speak on these important issues, with more details to come.

The Electric City Culture Council is a not-for-profit organization supporting the arts and culture community in Peterborough.

They provide strategic leadership, research, grants, professional development and partnerships that build and strengthen the arts sector in our community.

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2023 Community Grants Program Open to Applicants This October

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Not-for-profit groups can get a little boost as the City of Peterborough 2023 Community Grants Program is open to applications as of Oct 14 at noon.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Any not-for-profit group or association is invited to complete an online application for a Community Project Grant or a Community Investment Grant through the grants program.

The Community Grants program provides financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services or activities that enhance the quality of life for Peterborough residents in areas of social services and health, arts, culture, heritage, recreation or the environment.

Applications will be open for the following Community Grants streams:

  • Community Project Grants – support for a specified project for which the requested amount is $250 to $1,000.

  • Community Investment Grants – support for projects and special events, specific programs or operating budgets for which the requested amount is $1,000 to $15,000.

All applicants will be evaluated and approved by the City of Peterborough Council.

The deadline for both the Community Project Grant and Community Investment Grant applications is Dec. 2 at 3 p.m.

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Photos: Nagasaki Commemoration Lantern Ceremony at Little Lake

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The Peterborough Peace Council hosted its annual Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemoration Ceremony at Little Lake on Tuesday evening.

Traditionally the lanterns have been released towards the fountain however this year’s strong winds sent them along the shoreline. Photo by Luke Best.

“It’s important to remember exactly what happened,” said Gianne Broughton, a Peterborough Peace Council member.

The commemoration began with Broughton acknowledging the 77th anniversary of the dropping of an atomic bomb on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan by the U.S Military.

Peterborough Peace Council member Sheila Nabigon-Howlett then shared how Canada has not yet signed the UN Nuclear Ban Treaty and called for the end of nuclear tech.

“This is an opportunity to look at the globe and see what is happening. It’s not pretty,” she said.

An open invitation was offered if anyone would like to speak their mind, about the past or about the future. Two speeches were made after an open mic invitation was offered to speak their mind, about the past or about the future, followed by a song.

Peterborough Peace Council and supporters were invited to release paper lanterns into the water after the sun had set. This Japanese custom is a gesture of respect for those who have died and gives participants a moment to think about their ancestors and loved ones.

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