One City Peterborough Introduces 'Community University' Offering Pay What You Can Workshops For Community Advocates

One City Peterborough has launched their Community University, which will offer pay what you can workshops to any individual wanting to learn more about advocacy and community action.

Photo by Luke Best.

The fall semester will feature five different workshops.

Making Space to Hold Space: Self-regulation in the Presence of Trauma

This three part workshop will focus on learning how trauma and stress affects brains and bodies, and how regulation can help to prevent trauma, heal trauma, and work towards living a life with integrity.

This workshop focuses primarily on doing this work within ones self, and how being in a state of regulation can assist when supporting others who are experiencing distressing events. This training has been adapted from Eric Gentry’s Forward Facing Trauma Therapy Course to fit our needs as nontherapists.

This workshop is aimed at volunteers, helping professionals, and anyone interested in exploring what it can mean to live with intention and alignment to your principles.

Meaningful Flag Making: Reclaiming flags towards Community Transformation

Led by Jeff Macklin of Jackson Creek Press, participants will learn about the historical use of textiles and flags in activism, explore messaging, colour, and composition, and utilize lino printing, stamps, sewing, and painting to work on their own piece.

Nonviolent Communication Basics

This workshop builds upon the course Making Space to Hold Space, however it is not a requirement to have completed that course.

Nonviolent communication is an approach that looks to move past the defensiveness that so often divides us to a place of connection where we can share our feelings and needs and be open with each other on how we would like those needs to be met. The purpose of this workshop is to learn a way of communication that can assist in our ability to listen and share with one another. It's a form of communication that seeks to move from domination to connection. This is useful in de-escalation, support relationships and personal relationships.

This workshop is aimed at volunteers, helping professionals, and anyone looking for a different way to communicate.

Listening Rather Than Force: Techniques for De Escalating Potentially Violent Situations

This course offers techniques that can be used to de-escalate situations that could become violent, in a way that instead builds connection.

Transforming My Community: Using Kingian Nonviolence as a Framework for Social Change

This workshop studies the principles and practices of Kingian Nonviolence, and imagines how they might be used to make change in our own communities.

This workshop is aimed at advocates, activists, volunteers, helping professionals, and anyone looking to make change in their community.

More information regarding location, dates and time, or to register, visit https://www.onecityptbo.ca/communityuniversity

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Lindsay Woman Donates $50,000 To Fund Fleming College Bursary To Honour Her Late Husband

A new bursary will help Fleming College students for years to come thanks to a $50,000 donation from Lindsay resident Shirley O’Neill.   

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The Paul and Shirley O’Neill Student Bursary is open to financially eligible students enrolled in the Practical Nursing, Personal Support Worker, Heavy Equipment Techniques and Resources Drilling Technician programs. 

Shirley wanted to make the significant donation to honour her late husband, Paul. Shirley also wanted to make a contribution that would ensure the great work of future nursing and PSW graduates at Fleming College continues.  

Paul and Shirley O’Neill, both born in Lindsay, met as teenagers at a local dance hall. They married in 1962.   

The couple spent most of their working years in Oshawa, devoting much of their 30-year careers to Oshawa Hydro and General Motors. They returned to the Lindsay area after retirement.  

Paul passed away in 2013.   

At 88 years old, Shirley is an avid sports fan and counts both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays among her favourite teams.   

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Wedding Bells Are Ringing At Lang Pioneer Village As They Present Tying The Knot: Early Wedding Traditions

Lang Pioneer Village will take visitors back in time with Tying the Knot: Early Wedding Traditions, as they explore wedding traditions of the 19th century and the origins of practices then and now, on August 14.

19th century wedding. Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village.

The Museum’s best and most fashionable costumes will be on display throughout the village. Visitors may spot a few brides getting ready for their big day.

While strolling through the village, visitors can find out what would be in a traditional trousseau and experience a shivaree in the Fitzpatrick House.

They can learn about courting traditions such as love spoons at the Carpenter Shop and courting candles in the Blacksmith Shop.

Those what kind of wedding gift might you receive in the 1800s can find out at the Milburn House. While there, they will see demonstrations of bobbin lace making.

The day will also feature wedding folklore and superstitions as well as 19th-century bachelor and hen parties in the Keene Hotel.

There will be various events like live music and a tea party happening throughout the day.

Visitors are encouraged to dress up for the occasion in their old wedding gown, bridesmaid frock, suits and suspenders.

Tying the Knot: Early Wedding Traditions, will take place on August 14 from 10 am to 4 pm at Lang Pioneer Village Museum.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14) and free for children under 5. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes 2 adults and up to 4 youths (ages 5-14).

Visitors may purchase admission in advance via the Museum’s online shop, but advance purchase is not required. For more information visit www.langpioneervillage.ca.

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President And CEO OF PRHC Foundation Lesley Heighway Spends Week As Volunteer Instructor At Association for Healthcare Philanthropy

President And CEO OF Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation Lesley Heighway recently spent a week volunteering at the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy's prestigious Madison Institute at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Business.

Photo courtesy of PRHC.

The institute is well-known for offering healthcare fundraisers the chance to learn and share best practices in healthcare philanthropy.

Heighway is a two-time graduate of Madison and says she was incredibly honoured to have been asked to teach, according to a social media post by PRHC.

“Teaching at Madison was such a rewarding and affirming experience,” she said. “As a believer in life-long learning, it was a pleasure to share my skills and experience. But the best part was the chance to get to know and learn from my students - who came from all over North America - all of whom were as passionate about our cause as we are".”

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Fleming College Creates New Post-Secondary Pathway With Brock University

Students interested in achieving a degree in Adult Education can now do so through a new articulation agreement between Fleming College and Brock University.

File Photo.

The agreement creates a streamlined route from Fleming’s General Arts and Science-University Transfer program to Brock’s Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Adult Education program. Eligible students will receive five credits toward a 15-credit BEd degree, making it possible for full-time students to complete the program in two years instead of three. The program is also offered part time.  

 The pathway is available to alumni of Fleming’s transfer program who graduated as far back as 2004.   

“Supporting students is our priority, whether they are furthering their education immediately after graduation or pursuing a new adventure years after leaving us to enhance their careers,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “We are proud to be working with Brock University to offer our students more opportunities to achieve a degree.”  

 Brock’s Adult Education courses are offered online. Those with a certificate or degree in Adult Education can work in corporate training, college and post-secondary institutions, and health-care and management programs. Others may be developing their knowledge and skills in workplace settings such as teaching, coaching, mentoring, training, and adult skill development.  

“Brock University is always looking for ways to enhance program options for students, whether they’re in the beginning stages of their academic journey or returning to further develop their skills in support of their career,” said Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells. “Through our partnership with Fleming College, we’re pleased to offer this new pathway to expand opportunities for Brock learners.” 

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School Board Chairperson Braden Leal Not Seeking Re-Election

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board Chairperson Braden Leal has announced he will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal election.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

“With the municipal election fast approaching, I have been reflecting upon the next phase of my journey. I have decided that I will not be running for a trustee position in October. Instead, I will be looking at new opportunities,” said Leal.

Leal has served as PVNC chairperson since Dec. 1 last year. He was elected as a first-time trustee for the City of Peterborough in the 2018 municipal election. He served as vice-chairperson from October to December 2021 before being elected as chairperson.

“It has been an honour to serve in this leadership role, to have the opportunity to represent the school board in which I was educated,” Leal said. “I am grateful for the learning, the leadership experiences, and the relationships that we have built over my tenure.”

“Braden took on the top leadership position in the most challenging of times,” Joan Carragher, PVNC director of education. “As a proud PVNC graduate, he has been a steadfast champion for our schools and Catholic Education in our region.”

Election Day in Ontario municipalities is Oct. 24 The deadline to file a nomination to be a school trustee candidate is Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.

Braden is the son of former MPP and mayoral candidate Jeff Leal.

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Ontario Launches Its "Plan to Catch Up" After Two Pandemic-Disrupted Years of Education

After COVID-19 disrupted the last two years of education, the Government of Ontario launched its ‘Plan to Catch Up’ for the 2022-23 school year to return students to a full curriculum and experience announced on Monday.

Ajax MPP Patrice Barnes (left) with Perth - Wellington MPP Matthew Rae (right) as Hon. Stephen Leece, Minister of Education at Viola Desmond Public School’s library. Screenshot.

In attendance to make the announcement were Ajax MPP Patrice Barnes, Perth - Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and Minister of Education, Hon. Stephen Leece at Viola Desmond Public School in Ajax.

Students can engage in extracurriculars like clubs, band and field trips with the plan according to Leece.

“Our government is looking ahead as we remain squarely focused on ensuring students receive the best stable learning experience possible and that starts with them being in class, on time, with all of the experiences students deserve,” said Lecce. “We have a plan for students to catch up including the largest tutoring program in Ontario’s history, a modernized skills-focused curriculum to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and enhanced mental health supports.”

Ontario’s ‘Plan to Catch Up’ is comprised of five key components:

1. Getting kids back in classrooms in September, on time, with a full school experience that includes extra-curriculars like clubs, band and field trips

2. New tutoring supports to fill gaps in learning;

3. Preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow;

4. Providing more money to build schools and improve education; and

5. Helping students with historic funding for mental health supports.

According to a press release, the government has made key investments that students and educators are already benefiting from, including:

• More than $26.6 billion in funding for the 2022-23 school year, the highest investment in public education in Ontario’s history.

• Investing more than $175 million for enhanced tutoring support programs delivered by school boards and community partners, with a focus on reading, writing and math.

• $304 million in time-limited funding to support the hiring of up to 3,000 frontline staff, including teachers, early childhood educators, educational assistants, and other education workers.

• Investing $14 billion to build state-of-the-art schools and classrooms and renew and repair existing schools, including $2.1 billion for the 2022-23 school year.

• Allocating $90 million for mental health initiatives and supports for students, a 420 per cent increase from 2017-18.

• Additional funding to support students with exceptionalities through a $93 million increase in funding for the Special Education Grant and over $9 million in funding to support the new de-streamed grade nine program, with an emphasis on supporting students most at risk including students from racialized, Black, immigrant and Indigenous communities.

“With almost 50,000 children benefiting from Ontario’s tutoring investments every week, and summer learning programs underway province-wide, Ontario’s plan is getting students back on track,” said Lecce. “With an emphasis on getting back to basics, our government is focused on strengthening life and job skills in the classroom, so that students graduate as financially literate, technologically savvy, emotionally intelligent leaders, ready for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The full ‘Plan to Catch Up’ can be found online.

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Trent University Hosts 16th Annual Golf Tournament To Fundraise Student-Athlete Scholarship

After taking a two-year break, the 16th President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament returned to the Quarry Golf Course on June 30, raising $65,000 for Trent Excalibur Green and White Scholarship Fund on Thursday.

Photo By Luke Best.

The scholarship is awarded to exceptional first-year student-athletes at Trent University. 

“With the support of all our partners, Trent Athletics has been able to develop and grow our high-performance Excalibur varsity program.” said Tariq Al-idrissi, Trent vice president of finance and administration. “We will continue to be able to recruit the best and the brightest to Trent, enhancing the overall varsity student-athlete high-performance experience.”

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Fleming College To Offer New Respiratory Therapy Program

Fleming College will now be offering Respiratory Therapy diploma program through its School of Health and Community Services.

Photo by University of New Brunswick.

Registration for the Respiratory Therapy Advanced Diploma has already begun. Classes will take place at the College’s Sutherland Campus, in the purpose-built respiratory therapy lab with new, state-of-the-art equipment.

“Fleming is once again expanding our School of Health and Community Services to include programs that address a crucial need in our health care sector,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “There is a projected shortage of qualified respiratory therapists over the next decade in our region, in our province and across our country. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how important it is to address that shortage.”

The six-semester interactive program begins in January 2023, reducing the program time from three years to two. During their time at Fleming students will learn how to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate safe, therapeutic cardio-respiratory interventions for a wide array of patients and clients. Students will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgement to deliver optimal cardio-respiratory care.   

Two 420-hour field placements take place during the final two semesters. Students will be able to complete the Indigenous Perspectives Designation offered in this program, adding a competitive advantage to their resumés.

 The Fleming program has been developed to meet the National Competency Framework for respiratory therapists. Program graduates will be prepared for the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care national certification examinations to become members of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario.

Respiratory therapists are able to work in hospitals, long-term care homes, hyperbaric clinics with a family health team or work in a home, private business or in an independent practice. Employment income for respiratory therapists averages about $78,000 per year in the Peterborough region.

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Electric City Culture Council Highlights Resources To Promote Truth And Reconciliation On National Indigenous Peoples Day

June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. In hopes to encourage education, Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has compiled a list of resources they invite the public to read, watch and listen to.

Pow Wow in Curve Lake, 2014. File Photo.

These resources will help individuals learn about Indigenous history, peoples, and culture, as well as the legacy of Canada’s treatment of Indigenous people.

Learn

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission delivered its report and 94 calls to action. These calls provide a roadmap to start this country on the path towards healing.

Look at Canadian Artists' Representation (CARFAC)’s website Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts, which includes toolkits and discussions for arts administrators, curators, and programmers around respectful engagement with Indigenous art and artists. Those interested can also watch the Ontario Arts Council’s video about the importance of Indigenous arts protocols.

The Government of Canada has set up a learning portal full of resources to learn more about the history, cultures, and experiences of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

To get a sense of the Indigenous peoples and languages across Canada (and around the world), as well as the treaties that affect them, Native Land Digital is a massive, interactive map that presents detailed information about this land’s peoples in a visually striking way.

For several years, the University of Alberta has offered their first-year survey course Indigenous Canada to audit online for free. This intro course is taught by Indigenous instructors and informed by work with Indigenous Elders and leaders.

Locally, the Nogojiwanong Project offers a series of interpretive panels highlighting the evolution of local treaties and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples in the area, on permanent display down at Millennium Park.

Watch

Explore the work of Indigenous artists and creators, with the lists of books, movies, podcasts, and more below.

The National Film Board has a list of Indigenous Cinema available to watch for free through their website. Those subscribed to CAMPUS through an educational institution can also access additional learning resources for many of the films.

CBC has put together two excellent resources lists: one of Indigenous-themed podcasts that explore the diversity of Indigenous cultures, as well as Indigenous history; and a comprehensive list of 35 books to read for National Indigenous History Month.

The Government of Canada’s #IndigenousReads is an extensive reading list of works by Indigenous authors and about Indigenous topics. This list was set up to encourage reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples by sharing Indigenous literature.

The Downie Wenjack Fund is hosting a series of four Indigenous History Month events online this month. The events feature Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, and allies from Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick, and conclude with a special Canada-wide episode.

Last year, Peterborough’s own GreenUP published A top 10 summer listening list for truth and reconciliation on KawarthaNOW.

Heal

Those in need of healing, specifically Indigenous people, review the list below.

Talk4Healing offers 24/7 help, support and resources for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, all across Ontario.

Hope for Wellness Helpline provides 24/7 culturally grounded assessment, referrals, support in times of crisis, and suicide intervention. Service languages include Ojibway, Cree, Inuktut, English, and French. Call 1-855-242-3310

Native Women’s Association of Canada’s Elder Support Line. Available Monday-Friday 9AM-11AM EST & 1PM-3PM EST, Canada-wide. Call 1-888-664-7808.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Supports for Survivors, including support lines across Canada. Call 1-888-301-6426 in Ontario.

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program, offered by the Government of Canada as part of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement: 1-866-925-4419

Local organization: Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle provides counselling and healing services for Indigenous women and their families.

Teach

For those with young ones, these resources will help children explore and learn about Indigenous history and culture.

TVO Kids’ Indigenous Peoples Day page is full of useful resources, including activities, videos, and games. Also take a look at their Sharing Stories page, with a reading list of picture books about Indigenous peoples.

The Ottawa Public Library offers a Teaching Toolkit for National Indigenous History Month. A variety of great resources for teaching young ones.

CBC Kidsnews offers an excellent explainer video, “National Indigenous History Month: When did it start and what is it?”.

Lovevery’s blog post “How to discuss injustice toward Indigenous Peoples with your children, age 0 – 8” is thoughtfully written, and includes links to a number of children’s books about Indigenous history, as well as links to additional resources.

Support

Canada Helps offers a list of Indigenous charities that can be supported with donations. This link includes local organizations, the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, the Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle, and the Peterborough Native Learning Program.

Join

Here is a list of events happening locally for Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day.

Curve Lake First Nation is offering programming throughout the day on Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, including self-guided history walks, videos, a sunrise ceremony, drive-through lunch, movie matinee, and fireworks at dusk. See more details.

Two local organizations that provide services to Indigenous peoples, the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre and Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle are coming together for a celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day and Summer Solstice on June 21, including a sacred fire, meal, craft vendors, and traditional dancers. The Friendship Centre will also be hosting a Sunrise Ceremony at dawn on the same day.

The Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival, the world’s first Indigenous fringe festival, returns June 21 to 26 at Trent University, and it kicks off with a Community Picnic for Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, with food and entertainment. This is followed by five days of events, including theatre, dance, burlesque, spoken word, songs, and stories. Check out the full schedule of events.

For Indigenous History Month, the Peterborough Public Library has selected The Strangers by Katherena Vermette as the book for their Adult Book Club. This book is a searing exploration of race, class, inherited trauma, and matrilineal bonds that – despite everything – refuse to be broken. The Book Club meets June 28 at the library.

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