Lanark County Neighbours for Truth & Reconciliation is excited to share with you this plaque that the Town of Perth has approved for installation in the Tay Basin. The plaque dimensions are 36 inches x 60 inches. “Thousands of Years of Algonquin Homeland” speaks to the impact of colonization on Indigenous people. The importance of telling this story in downtown Perth cannot be overstated as we work to rebalance the settler perspective on the settlement of Lanark County as part of our commitment to Reconciliation. The plaque is the result of a lengthy period of collaboration with local Indigenous advisors.
The plaque will be installed in the spring of 2021 and an unveiling ceremony will take place then. We hope to raise $4000 all of which will go towards the cost of the 36"x60" panel including its installation overlooking the Tay River bank at the Crystal Palace.
Donations can be made using this Go Fund Me link https://www.gofundme.com/f/algonquin-homeland-for-thousands-of-years OR by etransfer to maureenbostock@hotmail.com, OR by sending a cheque to Maureen Bostock 1807 Highway 511, Balderson ON K0G 1A0 or dropping an envelope off at this address on your way to town.
If you are struggling during this pandemic, do not feel concerned if you cannot afford to make a donation. Instead please share this fundraiser with your friends as a way to make a contribution towards this important plaque. Please contact me at 613-259-5757 or by email if you have any questions.
Maureen Bostock on behalf of Lanark County Neighbours for Truth & Reconciliation December 4, 2020
Plenty Canada
Saturday, September 12th 10am to 12noon Manomin Celebration at Plenty Canada Our Manoomin (wild rice in Anishinaabemowin) Celebration will be held from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, September 12th at the Plenty Canada office near Lanark. If you have always been curious about wild rice, it is a great opportunity to learn about its significance both as a food and culturally. You will be able to witness how it is processed and learn about where and how it grows. The event will be held in mnoominii giizis (wild rice moon), which is when wild rice is harvested. Wild rice is a central aspect of the Anishinaabe migration story, as the nation was told to move west to the place where the food grows on the water. The grain is an important aspect of the traditional food systems in this area.
Do You Want to Be a Leader of Change?The Truth and Reconciliation Training Program works with local youth from all backgrounds, aged 15-30 and provides access to knowledge about Indigenous peoples, their worldviews and history. You will have fun learning hands-on about different Indigenous traditions and customs from various knowledge holders and Elders. You will learn about the environment and different kinds of relationships within it through both Western and Indigenous science. In addition, for the time you participate in our camp, these hours will count as volunteer hours! Lastly, we will prepare you to lead and co-create a Truth and Reconciliation Student Group at your school to carry on this important work!
For more information and to contact Mississipp Mills All My Relations check out their website: https://www.mmallmyrelations.ca
Lanark Drum Circle
The Lanark Drum Circle is gathering on-line and meets every Sunday afternoon at 1pm. Sharing of traditional native songs and their teachings, and bringing back the circle to strengthen community. Keep up to date on their plans at https://www.facebook.com/Lanark-Drum-Circle-1696224613806275/