Statement from the Office of the Mayor – National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 19, 2025 

As we lead up to National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, and as we honour National Indigenous History Month throughout June, we continue to celebrate the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures and traditions.  

This year, we have a special opportunity to celebrate together and continue learning about the rich history and culture of Indigenous Peoples and the history of these lands on which Mississippi Mills resides.  

This Saturday, June 21, the community is invited to Celebrating Solstice Together, a series of three events to recognize the Summer Solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day. Festivities are being coordinated by our local Truth and Reconciliation group, Mississippi Mills All My Relations, and Ginawaydaganuc Village, a local Indigenous-led non-profit dedicated to building an education and tourist centre. It is also supported by the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, Local Immigration Partnership Lanark & Renfrew and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.  

Start the day off from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the John Levi Community Centre in Almonte (182 Bridge Street) for a pancake breakfast and storytelling. Three years ago, Ginawaydaganuc Village began the tradition of celebrating this day with a pancake breakfast. In addition to pancakes with Indigenous-made wild berry syrups and fruit, this year’s event features a presentation and Q&A on the Ginawaydaganuc Village project with Elders John Henri Commanda, Chuck Commanda, Larry McDermott and Douglas Cardinal at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., Danka Brewer from Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation will lead storytelling for families.  

Experience Mississippi Mills by water from and Paddle Down the Mississippi with Indigenous Elders (Appleton to Almonte) from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Ginawaydaganuc Village board, staff and community members will be paddling from Appleton Bay Park (510 River Road) to Riverfront Park (320 Spring Street) in tribute to the Algonquins who travelled this path for millennia. All are welcome to take this journey but please bring your own gear. No need to register – just show up and be ready to have fun!  

To cap off the day, from 4 to 8 p.m., gather at Riverfront Park (320 Spring Street) by The Seven Gifts monument for Indigenous music, jingle dancing, a sacred fire, Inuit storytelling and drumming. Explore a tipi, view a birch bark canoe by Chuck Commanda, watch Nish Nabie carve an eagle, make and purchase Indigenous crafts and more. Bring along a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the evening. 

The Summer Solstice is a day of spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous communities and is a time for renewal and connection. I encourage all residents to come and take part in this beautiful celebration together! All are welcome! 

Sincerely, 

Mayor Christa Lowry
Municipality of Mississippi Mills