NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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The month of June is recognized as National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Throughout the month, the City of Barrie is supporting and collaborating with community partners to provide opportunities to learn about and celebrate the rich heritage, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
The celebration of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day in Barrie was planned in collaboration with the Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Primary Care Team from the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle, Barrie Native Friendship Centre, Red Quills, and the Barrie Public Library, and is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Some community programs and events to celebrate National Indigenous History Month and Peoples Day include:
- Flag raising at City Hall (June 2 at 10 a.m.);
- Program: Meet an Inuk: Muckpaloo Ipeelie” at Barrie Public Library Painswick branch (June 4 at 2 p.m.);
- Shining Waters Nibi Walks: a series of ceremonial walks hosted by the Barrie Native Friendship Centre and the Barrie Public Library (various dates and times);
- Coldwater Ojibway with healing songs for the community from Kempenfelt Bay; viewers are encouraged to gather along the waterfront from the Southshore Community Centre to the Spirit Catcher (June 21 at approximately 10 a.m.);
- Outdoor film screening of Kayak to Klemtu at Meridian Place (June 29 at dusk, approximately 9:30 p.m.).
For additional learning resources and programming details, visit the National Indigenous History Month and Peoples Day web page.
The city acknowledges the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi Nations collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. The city also acknowledges the Wendat Nation (Huron) who occupied these lands prior to the middle of the 17th century.
The city is dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and recognizes the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land. We are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.
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