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Event: National Indigenous Peoples Day 2024 Events
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
We encourage you to participate in local events to honour the day, and National Indigenous History Month (June), as well.
Wednesday, June 19, 6:00 - 9:00PM
Indigenous Arts & Craft Market & Strawberry Social
Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham
Join us for strawberries and ice cream, browse, shop, network, and visit. Free event. All welcome.
Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day, this and other local upcoming events on the 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre website.
Indigenous vendors looking to participate (free registration) can contact Naomi naomi@skanaflc.com
Co-sponsored by Ska:na Family Learning Centre, the Bleak House, Women's Equity Business, 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, United Way of Chatham-Kent, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, St. Clair Catholic District School Board, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6:30PM
The Spirit Horse Returns
Chatham Capitol Theatre (238 King Street West)
Introducing "The Spirit Horse Returns," a captivating orchestral concert production that seamlessly blends diverse North American Indigenous perspectives, stunning visual art, and a rich orchestral score to tell the powerful stories of the Ojibwe Horses.
The production is a collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous co-creators, including Anishinaabe artist and Ojibwe Horse breed expert Rhonda Snow, songwriter Jodi Contin (Wasauksing First Nation, composers Kevin Lau (a first-generation Canadian), and Andrew Balfour (of Cree descent), writer and performer Ken MacDonald (an eleventh-generation settler), and featuring musicians from London Symphonia.
Pre-show art experience with Rhonda Snow one hour prior to each performance in the Rotary Lounge (Lower Level).
Get evening (open to public) tickets on CKTickets.com
For more information contact cortnee.goure@sccdsb.net
Friday, June 21, 2024
Bkejwanong Summer Solstice Celebration
High Banks Park, Walpole Island
Bkejwanong Summer Solstice Celebration this June 21st (National Indigenous Peoples Day) at High Banks Park!6:00AM - Sunrise Ceremony at High Banks Lodge (Community Members welcome to bring food)
12:15PM- Opening Prayer
12:30PM - Until Full
- Sign up booth for Pontoon ride (Reminder- No food or drinks on ride)
- Free BBQ (Hotdogs and Hamburgers)
1:00PM
- Inflatables and Dunk Tank
- Music in the park
1:30PM - T-shirt Giveaway (1 per person and must be present)
10PM - FIREWORKS!
Everyone welcome!
Bring your own lawn chair.
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Event: May 18-19 2024 Walpole Island First Nation Spring Pow Wow
On May 18th and 19th, Walpole Island First Nation will host their 30th Spring Pow Wow in Bkejwanong Territory.
Free to attend. All are welcome.
Learn more about the Pow Wow on their Facebook Page.
Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:
A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training.
Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training
Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training
Tips for Attending:
Listen to the Master of Ceremonies – they’ll explain what’s happening to help visitors.
Ask permission before taking pictures.
Want to get in on the dancing? Listen for the Intertribal dances - these are for all people present to partake in the dance.
Don’t touch people’s regalia without permission. They are not costumes and hold special meaning to dancers.
Support the vendors. Some vendors may have interact or etransfer options, but please make sure you have cash on hand as well.
Outdoor settings are sometimes uneven so watch your footing.
Sometimes bleachers are available for people, but it never hurts to bring a chair with you.
Seats closest to the dancing circle are reserved for singers, dancers, and drummers.
Respect that some sections set aside for those with mobility issues to sit with mobile chairs or walkers.
Leave pets at home as animals are not necessary at cultural gatherings and ceremonial functions.
Sometimes specials can include placing a blanket on the ground for generous donations by visitors.
Security is provided for parking lot areas.
Ambulance and police are present.
Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.
Have fun!
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Events: May 3-5 2024 - Events in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+
In honour of National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (M.M.I.W.G. and 2S+), several events will be held March 3-5 in Chatham-Kent.
All events are open to everyone. Attend when you are able.
Wear red to show your support (i.e. shirt, coat, pin - not a red dress).
For more information check out www.7GICFC.org
Schedule of Activities
Friday May 3, 2024
11:45AM: Gather, Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham
12:00PM M.M.I.W.G. and 2S+ flag raising, Civic Centre, 325 King Street West, Chatham
12:20PM Walk from Civic Centre to Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham
12:30PM Opening and displaying Red Dresses, Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham
1:00PM Lunch Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham (soup and oven bread)
1:30PM Lighting of Sacred Fire and Teachings, Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Bannock and tea at Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham.
10:00AM - 12:00PM and 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Drop-in and visit. Open conversation and Teachings with an Indigenous Grandmother.
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Vigil
Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham.
6:00PM Vigil Opening
6:10PM Giving of tobacco
6:20PM Sharing circle (Open sharing)
7:00PM Closing and taking down of Red Dresses
Co-sponsored by: Ska:Na Family Learning Centre; The Bleak House; Women's Equity Business; 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre; United Way of Chatham-Kent; Municipality of Chatham-Kent; OLG; St. Clair Catholic District School Board; Peer-2-Peer Network.
About The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People
Also called Red Dress Day, the day honours and brings awareness to the disproportionate violence that Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people face in Canada.
The red dress was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people found that, in Canada:
- Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people are 12x more likely to go missing or be murdered than all other women, and 16x more likely than Caucasian women.
- In the last 30 years, more than 4000 Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people have gone missing or been murdered. That’s about 133 a year or 3 a week.
- Because of persistent forms of oppression (racism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism), complaints about missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Women, are less likely to be taken seriously or followed up.
The National Inquiry led to 231 Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries, and all Canadians.
Supports
This day may be triggering for some people. Help is available.
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people toll-free support phone line (24/7) 1-844-413-6649
Hope for Wellness Help Line (24/7) 1-855-242-3310
Learn More
Read the final report and Calls for Justice from the MMIWG2S+ National Inquiry on the National Inquiry website
Visit the National Family and Survivors Circle website
Visit the Amnesty International No More Stolen Sisters website
Find book, video and podcast recommendations on Simon Fraser University’s website
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Event: March 5th Cultural ConneCKt
The Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership and Municipality of Chatham-Kent Community Attraction & Promotion team invite leaders and members of local cultural community groups to meet, network, and explore possible connections.
Tuesday, March 5, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Chatham Granite Club, 41 William Street North, Chatham.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Registration required.
Contact cklip@chatham-kent.ca to register or for more information.
Note: This event is intended specifically for leaders and members of local cultural community groups, and is not an education session open to the public.
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Event: Alhan Bazaar March 1 and 2
As Muslim communities prepare for Ramadan, the Ahlan Bazaar is happening at The Chatham Islamic Centre, 310 McNaughton Ave West, from 2:00PM - 6:00PM on March 1st and 2nd.
Free entry, cash only for payments.
Find jewelry, halal foods, desserts, clothing, eyebrow threading, and henna.
Everyone welcome.
If you have question, please contact Maha Muhareb 519.359.4024 or mamuhareb@hotmail.com.
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Test Your Local Black History Knowledge and Enter to Win
How well do you know local history?
Test your knowledge about Black History in Chatham-Kent and enter to win tickets to a screening of The Color Purple on February 28th!
Take the quiz here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QEKTHXGBV
Thanks to our friends at Buxton Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, Ontario Heritage Trust (Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History), Buxton's Next Generation, Chatham Capitol Theatre for this partnership! -
Feb 10: Black Excellence Awards and Gala
On February 10th, the first ever Black Excellent Awards and Fala will be held at Retro Suites in Chatham.
The event, held during Black History Month, will honour the outstanding accomplishments of Black community members and celebrate local Black communities.
Gala tickets are $100 each and can be purchased through Event Brite.
Nominations for the awards are open until January 10th and can be made through the Google Doc form.
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January 9: Positively Black Resume and Interview Primer
Positively Black in Southwestern Ontario is hosting a virtual Resume and Interview Primer for High School students in Black communities on January 9th from 5-6PM.
Register using the QR code above.