Pelham Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day with Community Events leading up to June 21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2025

Pelham, ON – The Town of Pelham invites residents to join a series of special events to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day, with activities taking place on Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20, 2025. These gatherings recognize the rich cultures, histories, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and encourage reflection.

On Thursday, June 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Peace Park, will be the return of the Indigenous Vendor Market as part of Pelham’s popular Summer Chill concert series. This market will showcase local Indigenous artists, artisans, and businesses, providing an opportunity for residents to shop locally and engage with Indigenous art and culture. The Town of Pelham is currently accepting applications from Indigenous vendors interested in participating.

Additional National Indigenous Peoples Day activities will take place on Friday, June 20, beginning with a flag-raising ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at Pelham Town Hall. The Town will raise the Two Row Wampum flag, a powerful symbol of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence between Indigenous peoples and settlers, illustrating two parallel paths traveling together while maintaining distinct cultures and governance.

This year’s observance is especially meaningful as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final reports, released on June 2, 2015. Chaired by The Honourable Murray Sinclair, the TRC’s Summary Report included 94 Calls to Action aimed at guiding Canada toward meaningful reconciliation and fostering greater understanding of the country’s history and Indigenous experiences.

“The Town is grateful of Indigenous partners who continue to share their knowledge and traditions with the Pelham community, and to the Celebrate Canada grant for supporting these events that foster continued learning, reflection, and connection,” said Vickie vanRavenswaay, Director of Recreation, Culture & Wellness.

Community members are encouraged to participate in the immersive seminar on June 20, at the Meridian Community Centre at 11:30 a.m., titled “Walking with the Water: Stories, Songs & Teachings from the Land.” Led by Nokomis Migizinz Cindilee, an Anishinaabe–Maliseet–British French grandmother and educator, the session will share Indigenous ecological knowledge through storytelling, song, and cultural teachings, highlighting the sacred connection to land and water.

The June 20^th events will conclude with a drumming presentation at 7:00 p.m. in the Meridian Community Centre courtyard, featuring Josephine Lavalley of the Onondaga Nation. The gathering will include a water blessing, smudging ceremony, traditional teachings, drumming, and a round dance, inviting all community members to celebrate and reflect together.

Pelham’s National Indigenous Peoples Day events, supported by the Canadian Heritage Celebrate Canada program grant, provides for meaningful ways for residents to learn, honour Indigenous heritage, and take steps along the path of reconciliation. 

For more information, please visit www.pelham.ca/june21.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Leah Letford, Communications Specialist | 905-980-6653 | lletford@pelham.ca