From the Office of the Mayor – National Indigenous History Month – June 1, 2026

June 1, 2026

June marks National Indigenous History Month, a time for all of us in Mississippi Mills to pause, learn and honour the deep and enduring presence of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples on this land. It is also a time to celebrate the knowledge, cultures and contributions that continue to shape our shared future.

In Mississippi Mills, we acknowledge that we live and work on the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabe People. The Mississippi River, so central to our community, has been a place of travel, sustenance and gathering for thousands of years for the Anishinaabe People. This connection is both ancient and ongoing, and has never been given up.

To the Indigenous Peoples in our community and beyond: we honour your deep connection to this land and the knowledge you continue to carry and share. Your voices matter, and we are listening.

This month is an invitation to learn, to listen and to build relationships with respect and care. I encourage residents to explore Indigenous authors and artists, and to take part in local opportunities to learn, including the work of Mississippi Mills All My Relations.

On June 20, we will once again come together for Celebrating Solstice Together, hosted by Mississippi Mills All My Relations and Ginawaydaganuc Village, in partnership with the Municipality. This year’s activities begin at 1 p.m. with a guided paddle on the Mississippi River, led by an Indigenous Elder. Meet at the Riverfront Park dock, bring your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and take part in this meaningful experience on the water. After the paddle, the celebrations continue at 3 p.m. in the park, where you can enjoy live music, drumming, wood carving, family crafts and activities, a barbecue and more.

Lets commit to carrying the spirit of National Indigenous History Month forward beyond June into every season by listening, learning and walking together in a good way.

Sincerely,

Mayor Christa Lowry
Municipality of Mississippi Mills