Residents of all ages gathered outside in Pembroke, Ontario, on Canada Day in 2021 to houour and remember the Indigenous children uncovered at residential school sites across Canada.
The City of Pembroke is partnering with Family and Children Services (FCS) of Renfrew County to offer a number of activities for National Indigenous Peoples Day on Tuesday, June 21st, 2022.
Family and communication engagement worker Natalie Beauchamp says they will be offering will be offering teachings, ceremonies, and activities for people of all ages.
Activities will be held at Rotary Park and the Waka-ehi Lodge located at the FCS office on Isabella Street in Pembroke. Activities at the lodge will start at 10:00 am and the opening ceremony will take place at Rotary Park at 11:00pm with events and activities running until 3:00pm.
Sacred ceremonies and the sweat building will take place at the lodge with other activities at Rotary Park. Activities at Rotary Park include a Blanket Exercise, crafts, vendors, and free hot dogs provided by the Rotary Club of Pembroke.
Beauchamp says we have a large Indigenous population in Renfrew County and it’s important to recognize their heritage not just one day, but all the time.
She adds it’s the first year FCS has partnered with the City of Pembroke to host National Indigenous Peoples Day.
There will also be a movie showing at 9:00pm at the Riverwalk Amphitheatre of the film “Angry Inuk”, which is rated 14A.
For more details contact the City of Pembroke Recreation Department at 613-735-6821 ext. 1501 or email recreation@pembroke.ca.
You can register for the blanket exercise by emailing natalie.beauchamp@fcsrenfrew.on.ca.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)