Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival to Rock Out with The Johnnys June 25

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The third annual Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF) presents well-known Ontario rock band, The Johnnys on June 25 in the Nozhem First Peoples’ Performance Space at Trent University.

a performance from last year’s NIFF event. Photo courtesy of the Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival, Facebook.

Founded by spouses Veronica Johnny (lead vocals/ manager/ producer/ writer) and Dave Johnny (drums/producer/writer) the band is known for delivering rowdy, high-energy, humour-filled performances. They’ve played across Canada, been featured on TV and film and shared stages with such luminaries as Geordie Johnson, Bif Naked, Stevie Salas, Bruce Cockburn, Keith Secola & Crystal Shawanda. Veronica’s Cree heritage is reflected in the band’s lyric content, with indigenous influences on topics such as the environment, social justice and political change.

Wrapping up the 2023 Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival is this one night only, all ages welcome, rock show featuring the band. For a sample of their music, visit the link.

“Rock bands are not a traditional Fringe act, but NIFF is not a traditional Fringe, so when Veronica Johnny approached us about applying for a one-night-only slot, we said sure. What a great way to close the festival,” said NIFF general manager Lee Bolton.

As for all other NIFF shows, tickets for The Johnnys are only $12 with all sales going directly to the artist. They are available online now or by cash only at the door depending on availability.

The performance will take place in the Nozhem First Peoples’ Performance Space at Trent University (East Bank) at 9 p.m. on the 25th. Free parking is available in Lot X.

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Curve Lake First Nation Educational Department and Otonabee Conservation Celebrate World Turtle Day with Mikinaak Trail Signs

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The Curve Lake First Nation Cultural Centre and Otonabee Conservation are raising awareness about local turtles with the installation of Mikinaak trail crossing signs along the Jackson Creek Trail and at Curve Lake First Nation.

photo courtesy of otonabee conservation.

May 23rd is World Turtle Day, a day to increase respect for and knowledge about one of the world’s oldest creatures – turtles or in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway), Mikinaak.

According to experts, turtles are the most threatened of the major groups of vertebrates, more so than birds, mammals, and fish with about 75 per cent of turtles worldwide being threatened or already extinct. All of Ontario’s eight species of turtles are at risk of disappearing.

Mikinaak crossing signs will be mounted on kilometre marker posts along the Jackson Creek Trail, providing trail visitors with a QR code that connects to the Turtle Guardians Sighting Report Form; when turtles are spotted along the trail, visitors can report their sighting to help advance turtle conservation efforts.

Turtle education signs will also be installed at Curve Lake First Nation and along the Jackson Creek Trail. Text and species names of Ontario Turtles have been translated into Anishinaabemowin, the local dialect of the Ojibway language.

“As a result of colonization, Anishinaabemowin has lost many words, sounds, and phrases that will never be regained,” explained Anne Taylor from the Curve Lake First Nation Education Department. “That includes some of the turtle species included on these educational signs. Where possible, the traditional turtle species names have been used but new names have been created for some species, based on what makes these turtles special to the Curve Lake First Nation community.”

Anishinaabemowin is predominantly a spoken language. Efforts are underway to include QR codes that link to audio clips of Curve Lake First Nation Elders speaking Anishinaabemowin species names so that visitors can hear the pronunciation of the local dialect.

For more information or to report a turtle sighting visit turtleguardians.com/report-sightings which will help advance turtle conservation efforts.

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St. John CES Celebrates Indigenous Culture With Pow Wow

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As a way for roughly 300 St. John Catholic Elementary School students to enrich their cultural knowledge, a pow wow was held on their grounds to celebrate Indigenous culture on Friday afternoon.

Several of the school staff and students are Indigenous, the largest population in all Peterborough Catholic schools according to Jen Wright, St. John CES principal.

“That's one of our main priorities at St. John is to support and represent all of our students,” she said. “It's celebrating the culture and community of Indigenous families. It is so special that it's one step towards reconciliation that we can host today.”

“I thought it was important to bring a pow wow here so they can get in touch with their culture and help them more identify with who they are,” said Richelle Weekes of Hiawatha First Nation.

Members of Hiawatha First Nations, Haudenosaunee and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation came to St. John for the pow wow to celebrate all Nations coming together. An intertribal song was sung to unite everyone together as students and teachers were invited to dance and sing along.

“I'm actually so happy and amazed that so many people have actually shown up to support this,” explained Weekes. “It's so good for our non-Indigenous to see how the Indigenous culture is so that we're aware of all the different cultures out there.”

While it’s not the first pow wow hosted at a Catholic school in Peterborough, Weekes she wants to make this a more regular event throughout the years.

“My goal is to hopefully get a pow wow maybe every year to a different school throughout the board just to keep bringing more awareness and to keep everything open and just help people be proud of who they are,” she said.

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Trent University Partners with Dene First Nation to Offer Innovative New Indigenous Diploma

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Trent University is launching a new Indigenous Environmental Studies & Sciences diploma with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) for Dene students in the Northwest Territories.

photo courtesy of trent university.

The program will blend Western sciences with Dene Indigenous Knowledge and offering experiential learning opportunities grounded in YKDFN culture.

“Trent’s leadership in Indigenous Studies and Sciences continues with this exciting and innovative new diploma program,” said Dr. Chris Furgal, program co-Director of Trent University’s Indigenous Environmental Studies/Sciences degree program. “The diploma program will provide Indigenous members of the Dene Nation with the opportunity to learn knowledge and develop skills to address complex environmental problems facing their own communities, governments, businesses and society.”

This Dene focused Indigenous Environmental Studies & Sciences diploma is the first diploma program the University has developed in specific partnership with an individual First Nation. It is offered jointly by the Trent School of the Environment and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies in partnership with Trent’s Indigenous Environmental Studies/Sciences program. The diploma consists of 10 courses over two years with credits transferrable to a B.A. or B.Sc. program.

“This is a really good program. Residential schools and far-away from home education is a thing of the past; we are dealing with reconciliation now and we are hoping that education can be closer to home and family,” said Chief Fred Sangris of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. “The family are the cultural keepers, and this is one reason we want our young people to be closer to their families and home for a brighter future outlook. As Yellowknives Dene First Nation leadership, we fully support the younger generation’s education and future economic prosperity as it happens in the community and still receive the same academic credits as they would have, if they attended southern universities.”

Year One courses will introduce students to foundations in Indigenous learning and the environment. Year Two courses will provide a deeper exploration into language, ethics, the environment, and critical relationships among these things.

All courses will offer a unique opportunity to incorporate Dene ways of knowing and being and their application to land and environment and be tailored to relevant environmental and ecological systems in the North. For example, course work is likely to include local cultural and environmental components including Dene land use protocols, Dene land stewardship practices, and traditional Dene land navigation skills.

To qualify, students must have successfully completed the equivalent of Ontario Grade 12 or qualify as a mature student.

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Indigenous Gifts to Prince of Wales Being On Display For Peterborough Museum & Archives Exbibit Beginning Friday

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Indigenous birch bark baskets are returning to ancestral lands of Michi Saagiig territory as a new temporary exhibit being featured at Peterborough Museum & Archives announced on Tuesday morning.

From left to right) Rachel Peat, Laurie Beavis, Laura Peers and Laurie Carr. The quilled wiigwaasii makakoons must remain in a crate for 48 hours prior to being displayed in order to properly climatize them. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The 13 birch bark baskets, also known as quilled wiigwaasii makakoons (weeg-wah-see mah-ka-coons) go on display to the public beginning Saturday to Nov. 19.

They were made by Michi Saagiig women and gifted to Prince of Wales on Sep. 7, 1860 when he stopped at Rice Lake village (Hiawatha First Nation) as part of a cross-Canada Royal tour.

The exhibition is called “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860,” and explores the cultural knowledge, love, respect and diplomacy that went into the makakoons.

“Hiawatha First Nation and the Mississauga Nation communities are coming together to welcome these Ancestors home for a visit,” said Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha First Nation. “We know that the makakoons have the names of women makers attached and there are descendants of these women in our First Nations.

Since 1860, the makakoons have been part of the Royal Trust Collection and housed at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. They are on loan for exhibition by His Majesty King Charles III. The “To Honour and Respect” curators and the Planning Committee have worked closely with the Royal Collection Trust to facilitate the unique loan.

“Royal Collection Trust is delighted to exhibit this group of gifts presented to the future King Edward VII during the landmark first royal meeting with the Michi Saagiig in 1860,” said Rachel Peat, Royal Collection Trust Curator of Decorative Arts. “Since then, these outstanding works of art have been displayed within the royal residences as a symbol of relations between Mississauga Nation communities and the Crown. Today, this project offers an important opportunity to reconnect with Michi Saagiig knowledge holders and affirm links with this community.”

During the visit of the makakoons, there will be associated programming including workshops on quillwork, provided by Hiawatha First Nation artist Sandra Moore, and on Michi Saagiig language, provided by Curve Lake member Jonathan Taylor.

“While the Ancestors are with us on Michi Saagiig Territory, the PMA will create space for everyone to visit, and we will share knowledge about this art through viewing, workshops and language classes,” said Carr. “We will sit with the Ancestors and acknowledge their spirits and what they have to teach us. Each of the makakoons will add to our cultural knowledge and strength as Michi Saagiig Peoples.”

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Millennium Park Art Installation Marks Completion of The Nogojiwanong Project

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“Gathering,” a new public artwork by Michael Belmore is unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Millennium Park as part of the Nogojiwanong Project on Thursday.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The Nogojiwanong Project is a collaboration undertaken in the spirit of kinship between local First Nations, Indigenous peoples and the City of Peterborough in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20. Through the collaboration, a gathering space was created in 2019. The space encourages learning and reflection through a series of interpretive panels highlighting the evolution of local treaties and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples.

“Gathering” consists of a grouping of glacial erratic boulders, carved and fitted to sit slightly apart, giving the appearance of heat radiating. The stones are embellished with the Treaty 20 Clan Dodems.

Michael Belmore’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, represented in numerous private collections and in the permanent collections of various institutions including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Gallery of Canada. Photo by Felicia Massey

“This work at the water’s edge is a kind of collaboration between human and rock, between human lifetime and geological time, or deep time. These stones were moved and rounded by glacial forces a millennia ago,” said Michael Belmore, Anishinaabe artist. “I am deeply honoured that through this project, Gathering can speak to our continued journey.”

The display is located next to the Trans Canada Trail near the south end of Water Street. The piece marks the completion of the Nogojiwanong Project.

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MPP Dave Smith Announces Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act To Be Introduced

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MPP Dave Smith and other dignitaries have announced the introduction of the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act in a teleconference held on Thursday afternoon.

(from left to right) MPP Dave Smith; Chief Emily Whetung; Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and Chief Mel Hardy, Anishinabek Nation Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief and former Chief of Curve Lake First Nation. Photo courtesy of MPP Dave Smith.

Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Chief Mel Hardy, Anishinabek Nation Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief and Chief Emily Whetung, former Chief of Curve Lake First Nation were also in attendance to make the announcement.

The bill, if passed, creates an award for Cadet Corps and Squadrons at the Annual Ceremonial Reviews. Ontario’s 288 active Canadian Cadet Corps and Squadrons can select a member who has displayed exceptional volunteerism and citizenship over the past year to be eligible for the Murray Whetung Community Service Award.

“Murray Whetung was a pillar in our community. He volunteered to fight in the Second World War and dedicated his life to family and service. I was honoured to receive his endorsement for this legislation before his passing,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This bill does more than recognize the life of one man, it seeks to teach others of the injustices First Nations veterans faced for risking their lives in service to Canada.”

In the First and Second World Wars, roughly 7,000 First Nations residents voluntarily served. For those who served continuously, their rights were stripped for time away from the reserve. Indigenous veterans able to retain their status were often ineligible for benefits available to non-Indigenous veterans following the wars.

“My Shomis (grandfather) was humbled when MPP Smith approached him about the idea of an award named after him,” said Whetung. “My Shomis did what he thought needed to be done and didn’t expect special recognition. He was a shining example of choosing happiness in the face of adversity and an inspiration to so many of us.”

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

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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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Curve Lake Honoured By Lakefield Chiefs In Partnership At Last Regular-Season Game

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Curve Lake First Nation was honoured with a plaque unveiling by the Lakefield Chiefs to celebrate their partnership in their last regular-season game on Tuesday.

(from left to right) Carson Hartwick, Lakefield Chiefs assistant captain; Shawn Dunbar, Chiefs general manager; Michael Battaglia; Andy Mitchell, Selwyn mayor; Anita Locke, Lakefield Ward Councillor: Jeff Jacobs, Deputy Chief of Curve Lake First Nation; Assistant General Manager of Lakefield Chiefs Junior Hockey Club George Ripoll, Chiefs assistant general manager and Jake Hagen, Georgina Ice assistant captain. Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Chiefs.

The plaque is located in the main lobby of the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre that describes the team’s history and affiliation with the Curve Lake First Nation.

Another sign had a land acknowledgement statement of being on the treaty and traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg.

(from left to right) George Ripoll, Chiefs assistant general manager; Shawn Dunbar, Chiefs general manager; Jeff Jacobs, Deputy Chief of Curve Lake First Nation and Andy Mitchell, Selwyn mayor. Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Chiefs.

The Chiefs have been under fire in recent years for the use of Indigenous logos and names for the team’s branding. The plaque explains the team was formed in the 1960s by then-Curve Lake First Nation Chief Dalton Jacobs. The logo (also used by the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks) is a symbol of strength and perseverance.

“The community and the players that come play for us, they know our winning culture,” said George Ripoll, Chiefs assistant general manager. “I think they need to understand how we were made and come from.”

As part of the team’s continued partnership with Curve Lake First Nation, the team will wear orange warm-up jerseys with the “Every Child Matters” slogan on the front.

Lakefield fell to the Georgina Ice 4-1 with Carson Hartwick as the lone goal-scorer for the Chiefs.

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Fleming And Trent Partner To Expand Pathways For Indigenous Learners

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Fleming College and Trent University have signed new articulation agreements that allow Fleming students to obtain a Bachelor’s degree through programs offered at Trent’s renowned Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Eligible graduates from Fleming’s Ecosystem Management Technology, Environmental Technology, and Fish and Wildlife Technology programs will have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Indigenous Environmental Studies at Trent in two additional years of study – graduating with both their diploma and degree credentials in five years.

Eligible graduates of Fleming’s Early Childhood Education and Educational Support programs, who also self-identify as Indigenous, will receive 7.0 and 5.0 credits, respectively, towards Trent’s Indigenous Bachelor of Education degree. These are two new pathways are exclusively for Indigenous students.

“These pathways are another step towards Fleming’s commitment to upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations for postsecondary institutions,” said Maureen Adamson, President, Fleming College. “The new agreements build on Fleming’s long-standing relationship with Trent University to provide academic programming and research partnerships in areas related to environmental and natural resource studies that value Indigenous teachings.”

The Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People have both identified addressing the educational gap for Indigenous learners as a priority.

“Creating more opportunity for individuals who identify as Indigenous to access higher education, especially opportunities in both college and university environments, is an important factor in honouring and advancing the teachings and leadership of Indigenous communities,” said Professor David Newhouse, chair of the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies at Trent. “The Indigenous-focused degree programs at Trent aim to support generations of Indigenous youth by producing greater numbers of role models. We know these programs are successful in that way as Trent University is ranked first in Canada for promoting Indigenous visibility.”

There are now two Fleming certificate programs and five diploma programs that lead to an Indigenous Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Environmental Studies or Bachelor of Science in Indigenous Environmental Science programs for Indigenous students.

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