‘Celebrating Solstice Together’ – A Day of Culture, Learning and Connection on June 20

Mississippi Mills All My Relations, in partnership with Ginawaydaganuc Village, the Municipality of Mississippi Mills and the Government of Canada, will once again honour National Indigenous Peoples Day with a community-wide celebration of culture, learning and connection. 

“Celebrating Solstice Together” will take place Saturday, June 20 at Riverfront Estates Waterfront Park (300 Spring Street, Almonte), bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members together to welcome the Summer Solstice (June 21). 

This year’s event features a guided paddle with an Indigenous Elder, hands-on workshops, drumming, storytelling, children’s activities, and an evening of music and cultural teachings. A barbecue will be available by donation. 

“As we continue learning about the deep Indigenous history of the Mississippi Mills area, we’re discovering more evidence of long-standing Indigenous presence and relationships with early settlers,” said Sue Evans of Mississippi Mills All My Relations. “Working with Ginawaydaganuc Village and other Indigenous partners on ‘Celebrating Solstice Together’ is not only an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture, but a chance to rebuild friendship and trust.”

Guided paddle with Indigenous Elder (1 to 3 p.m.)

The afternoon begins with a guided paddle co-led by:

• Elder Larry McDermott, Algonquin of the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation
• Chuck Commanda, Algonquin of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, renowned birch bark canoe builder and Knowledge Keeper

The paddle includes an opening ceremony, a relaxed journey along the Mississippi River and several stops where Elder McDermott and Knowledge Keeper Commanda will share stories and teachings connected to local Indigenous history.

No registration is required. Participants should arrive at the Spring Street drop-off point (directly opposite the community dock) between 12:30 and 12:50 p.m. with their canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Note: Personal flotation devices are mandatory.

Opening ceremony and activities in the park (3 to 8 p.m.)

Canoes will arrive back at the park at 3 p.m. for the opening ceremony, featuring drumming, welcoming songs, smudging and a sacred fire tended by Fire Keeper Robert Manson. 

Throughout the afternoon, visitors can enjoy:

• Indigenous stories, music and reflection
• Children’s crafts, including canoe-making and seed balls
• Teachings about Indigenous plants
• Beadwork for sale by the Soul Sisters
• Barbecue (by donation) by Larry Woermke, Mohawk heritage, and strawberry treats
• A carving workshop with Nish Nabie, Alqonquin of the Kebaowek Territory), creator of the Seven Gifts carvings in the park

Event schedule:

• 4 p.m. – Elders ceremony and reflections
• 4:45 p.m. – Children’s Storytime with Marie‑Louise Perron, descendant of the Red River Métis
• 5:30 p.m. – Music and storytelling by The Last Days of May (Marcia Chum‑Gibbons, Cree heritage of the Constance Lake First Nation, and Chris Gibbons)
• 6:15 p.m. – Birch bark canoe teachings with Chuck Commanda
• 6:30 p.m. – Pow wow dance instruction with JP Longboat, Mohawk, Turtle Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River
• 7:15 p.m. – Talamk Karen:na (Earth Music) with Tiger Will Mason (Mohawk) and Pauline Ducharme (Métis, Algonquin, Innu, Mohawk, French heritage)
• 8 p.m. – Mohawk Prayer of Thanksgiving with Larry Woermke
• 8:15 p.m. – Departing songs

For more information, visit the Mississippi Mills All My Relations website.

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For more information:

Ashley Kulp
Communications Coordinator
613-256-2064
akulp@mississippimills.ca