Celebrating Solstice Together on National Indigenous Peoples Day in Mississippi Mills – June 21, 2025

Press Release – Mississippi Mills All My Relations, Ginawaydaganuc Village

We are excited to announce that Mississippi Mills All My Relations, in coordination with Ginawaydaganuc Village, the Township of Mississippi Mills and other sponsors, are co-hosting a day of events to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Mississippi Mills on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

This year’s celebration takes place at two locations, offering space to listen, reflect, and celebrate together:

Pancake Breakfast hosted by Ginawaydaganuc Village

Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon

Location: John Levi Community Centre, 182 Bridge Street, Almonte

Start your day with a pancake breakfast hosted by Ginawaydaganuc Village. In the spirit of the Algonquin teaching that “all things are connected,” this gathering offers food and community connection. This event is by donation.

At 10 a.m. Danka Brewer, a respected Algonquin knowledge keeper from the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, will join us and generously share stories and teachings suitable for parents and children. With years of experience in cultural education, she brings warmth, wisdom and deep care for the well-being of future generations.

An Afternoon of Stories, Music, Dancing and More!

Time: 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Location: Riverfront Park, 321 Spring Street, Almonte

Visit the Seven Gifts installation for an afternoon of stories, music, dancing, crafts, and culture hosted by Ojibway Knowledge Keeper, John Henry Commanda, who is also Executive Director and Chair for Ginawaydaganuc Village.

Highlights include:

• Indigenous storytelling
• Opportunities for discussion and reflection
• Live music
• Jingle dance performances
• Cultural displays and artisan crafts
• A community barbecue (by donation)

National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada. First proclaimed in 1996, it coincides with the Summer Solstice and is now part of the Celebrate Canada program. The day invites all Canadians to engage in meaningful acts of reflection, learning, and reconciliation.

The Summer Solstice is a significant part of many Indigenous cultures in Canada and holds deep meaning as a time of renewal, gratitude, and connection with the land. It is a time for storytelling — passing down culture, teachings, and memory through spoken word, song and ceremony.

This event is being held in the spirit of the late, highly celebrated, Algonquin Elder William Commanda, whose life’s work embraced the belief in a circle of all nations and culture of peace. Grandfather William was Chief of the Kitigan Zibi Algonquin Anishinaabeg Reserve for 20 years and served as a globally renowned spiritual leader for the remainder of his 97 years.

He received many accolades from both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. He was appointed as carrier of three sacred wampum belts of historical significance (The 1800’s Sharing Belt, the Jay Treaty Border Crossing Belt, and the Seven Fires Prophecy Belt), and was considered by many to be the “Grand Chief of North America. He was also honoured with the 12th Key to the city of Ottawa, was given two honorary doctorate degrees, appointed the Order of Canada, and received a Lifetime Achievement award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

This celebration is more than a community event — it’s a living gesture of reconciliation. Through storytelling, art, and shared moments, we invite everyone to step into ethical space — where Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews can meet in respect and learning, guided by the principle of two-eyed seeing.

Questions or want to get involved? Please contact Sue Evans: mm.allmyrelations@gmail.com.

We thank the sponsors who are contributing to this event: The Municipality of Mississippi Mills, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Lanark Immigration Partnership and the Government of Canada.