The City of Markham launches Indigenous History Month celebrations

The City of Markham launches Indigenous History Month celebrations

MARKHAM, ON - June 4, 2018 – Today, the City of Markham launched celebrations for Indigenous History Month with a special ceremony that featured a friendship dance and ceremony of laying down the sacred medicine of tobacco. Indigenous Art Eduator, J’net Ayayqwayaksheelth, was joined by Sue Croweagle to lead the celebration at the Markham Civic Centre.

“Celebrating the achievements of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples is an opportunity to listen to their stories, learn from their experiences and recognize the outstanding contributions of Indigenous communities,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “At the City of Markham, we believe in building and nurturing strong bonds with our Indigenous communities, and I am proud that together, we have been able to create those connections through mutual respect, trust and cooperation.”

National Indigenous History Month is recognized during the month of June, providing the unique opportunity for municipalities across Canada to join together and take action towards reconciliation. Markham supports Indigenous History Month through the City's award-winning Diversity Action Plan - Everyone Welcome.

"In recognizing the history of Indigenous Peoples, Markham is demonstrating our gratitude to be able to call Turtle Island home," says Cheryl McConney-Wilson, Senior Diversity, Accessibility, Wellness and Recognition Specialist at the City of Markham. "This is a wonderful opportunity to learn a more complete history of our country. Seeking out Indigenous knowledge will help Canadians better understand and value all Indigenous peoples and hopefully, appreciate one another a bit more."

"Today’s event is a powerful example of how the City of Markham is a role model for good relations with Indigenous communities," says J'net Ayayqwayaksheelth, Indigenous Arts Educator. "We made tobacco ties with City staff to set intention as a City to honour the Indigenous customs of reciprocity and reconciliation."

Throughout the month, Markham will host several indigenous film screenings in addition to an event on Thursday, June 21 in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

In 2017, the City of Markham signed a historic accord - an agreement of cultural collaboration with Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope. This Ojibway community is located nearly 360 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is about 1,000 kilometres north of Markham.

Through this first-of-its-kind agreement between an urban municipality and a remote, northern First Nation community, Markham and Eabametoong First Nation have agreed to promote social, cultural and economic collaboration, promote harmony and goodwill for the betterment of residents of both communities, and to increase public awareness.
PHOTOS

J'net Ayayqwayaksheelth and Sue Croweagle lead a friendship dance and tobacco offering outside the Markham Civic Centre, followed by a closing song.

J'net Ayayqwayaksheelth and Sue Croweagle join Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Members of Council, Markham Fire and Emergency Services, City of Markham staff, York Regional Police and Markham residents to raise the Eabametoong First Nation flag at the Markham Civic Centre in honour of Indigenous History Month.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684.