Newmarket marks National Indigenous History Month with art, film, music

NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF NEWMARKET
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In recognition of National Indigenous History Month, the Town of Newmarket will present an art exhibit titled A Way of Walking: The Seven Grandfathers Teaching along with free, scheduled programs running from June 11 to June 29.

Indigenous and First Nations culture can teach us how to walk in a way that leads to a good life, to live without conflict or contradiction, and in peace with each other and all beings on Mother Earth.

The Town of Newmarket acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples, whose presence here continues to this day. We honour and acknowledge this land and its people. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action (numbers 62-63) speak to the significance of education as the key to reconciliation.

Scheduled events include:

Art Exhibit: A Way of Walking: The Seven Grandfathers Teaching
June 11 to 21, 2019
Newmarket Old Town Hall, Serpa Galleries (460 Botsford Street)
Artist Clayton Samuel King (Waab-Shki-Makoons), a multimedia artist of Potawatomi descent interprets The Seven Grandfathers Teaching through animal forms. King combines contemporary and traditional styles into highly graphic and brightly coloured works.

Students from Sacred Heart Catholic High School will also illustrate their own understanding of Indigenous teachings through painted canoe paddles and birth totem wood slice paintings. Admission to the exhibit is free. For gallery hours, visit newmarket.ca/oldtownhall

Film Screening & Panel Discussion: Sacred Spirit of Water (2013) and Water Warriors (2017)
June 13, 2019, 7 to 9 p.m.
Newmarket Old Town Hall, Snapd Auditorium (460 Botsford St.)
Told from the perspectives of First Nations people, Sacred Spirit of Water and Water Warriors are two documentaries that explore the issues around the rights, access and management of water. After the film screening, join us for a live conversation with our special panelists Morningstar Mercredi, Kim Wheatley and Nipawi Mahihkan Misit Kakinoosit. Admission is free and all are welcome. Register to attend by calling 905-953-5300 ext. 2844 or email [email protected]

Sacred Spirit of Water (2013), June 13, 2019, 7 p.m.
Directed by Morningstar Mercredi

Passed by the Canadian Parliament in December 2012, the omnibus Jobs and Growth Act (also known as Bill C-45) has amended a number of legislations with major implications to the environment and First Nations Treaty rights. This film documents the connection various Albertan groups have with water and their reaction to Bill C-45.

Water Warriors (2017), June 13, 2019, 8 p.m.
Directed by Michael Premo

In 2013, Texas-based SWN Resources arrived in rural New Brunswick to explore for natural gas. This is a story about the fight to protect the land and water, between the multicultural indigenous community and non-native locals against the energy company.

Panellists:

Morningstar Mercredi (via Skype) Director of Sacred Spirit of Water, a storyteller, author, producer, actress, multi-media communicator and social activist on critical issues such as missing and murdered women and children, water and the environment.

Nipawi Mahihkan Misit Kakinoosit (via Skype) A Nehiyaw Okicitaw Okimawsis (a Cree Warrior lieutenant) from the Sucker Creek Cree First Nation in Northern Alberta. Trained as a spokesperson at a young age, he speaks extensively across Canada as an advocate for the Indigenous peoples, treaty rights, and the environment.
Kim Wheatley A speaker, singer, drummer and Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant who offers Traditional Teachings to indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21 to 22, 2019
Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main St. South)
Drop-in and learn about the cultural diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples through our collection of artifacts and reproductions. Experience Indigenous tradition through your taste buds and enjoy playing hands-on activities with your children. Curated by Janet Charpentier.

June 21, 2019, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Join us for a guided tour and sample traditional Indigenous food and drinks like cedar tea, maple syrup, strawberry drink and bannock. Admission is free and suitable for all ages.

June 22, 2019, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Join us for a special Nin Os Kom Tin Hand Drumming Presentation at 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of educational and fun crafts, stories, games and hands-on activities while learning about our First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Sample traditional Indigenous food and drinks. Cost is $3 per child, suitable for ages 4 to 10. Adult supervision is required. Pre-register via email at [email protected] or call 905-953-5314.

Music and Poetry Without Borders
June 29, 2019, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Newmarket Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)
Drop-in to this free family-friendly event and experience the vibrancy of diverse cultures through intimate performances such as: First Nations Hand-Drumming, Chinese Pipa, Middle Eastern Oud, East Indian Tabla and flute, Western classical music and original poetry in Arabic by Syrian Writer and Journalist Abdulrahman Matar. You can also try your hand on a variety of musical instruments and learn to make one with fruits and vegetables! Admission is free. Learn more at:newmarket.ca/oldtownhall