From the Office of the Mayor – National Indigenous History Month

From the Office of the Mayor

June 1, 2024

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada and in our community.

Honouring the culture of Indigenous Peoples not only broadens our human story, but also ensures we remember a complete history of our community and our country. Renewing and building these relationships begins with a full understanding of our shared past.

This month, our local Truth and Reconciliation group Mississippi Mills All My Relations, will be hosting two significant events to mark National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). 

- On Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m., Elder Barb Brant, Mohawk, Turtle Clan, will lead a memorial ceremony honouring Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum as part of a national grassroots project.

Mississippi Mills All My Relations and members of the community have participated in this moving art project called “The Canadian Library” that will act as a memorial to the 8000 Indigenous women, girls, and children who have been murdered in Canada.  

Locally, 120 books have been wrapped in Indigenous-designed fabrics and names have been written in gold lettering on the spine to honour the lives lost and the grief suffered by their loved ones. Some books have remained nameless to represent those who may never have a chance to tell their story.

- On June 20, Mississippi Mills All My Relations is partnering with the Municipality to host a Summer Solstice Celebration at 6:30 p.m. in Riverfront Park (320 Spring Street, Almonte), bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together.

The event will include an Indigenous ceremony, food, music, jingle dancing, crafts, Inuit games, as well as songs by Almonte’s Rhythm and Song Community Choir.  Come and explore The Seven Gifts public art installation completed last year by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, elders and knowledge keepers and celebrate the longest day of the year!  Everyone is welcome!

Mississippi Mills is located on the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabe (Algonquin) People and the Mississippi River served as an important route for harvesting, fishing and trade. The Anishinaabe have never surrendered claim to these lands. Mississippi Mills Council is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive community. We acknowledge the systemic racism, discrimination and injustice Indigenous Peoples have faced and continue to face.

Taking steps to learn the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples, and the history of these lands we now know as Mississippi Mills, are meaningful ways to begin rebuilding and strengthening our relationships.  Let us become allies for change so that we can all move forward on the path to reconciliation.

Sincerely,

Mayor Christa Lowry

Municipality of Mississippi Mills