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City of Markham celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

Markham.ca
June 20, 2019

The City of Markham proudly recognizes and celebrates June as National Indigenous History Month. On Friday, June 21, join us on National Indigenous Peoples Day for a flag raising ceremony to celebrate Indigenous heritage, art and culture and to recognize the important contributions that Indigenous Peoples have made to Canada.

"As a country, we now have an opportunity to reframe history by adding and honouring the often-excluded experiences of Canada's Indigenous Peoples through Truth and Reconciliation," says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "By coming together, we are promoting peace, harmony and goodwill. We say thank you to those who have come before us, paving a way toward a bright and prosperous future."

As part of Friday's event, the City of Markham welcomes Jake Charles, a traditional Anishinaabe knowledge sharer, teacher and cultural guide in his community of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, who will perform a song, and Kyle Laforme, a member of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation, who will perform a hoop dance.

Hoop dancing is a form of storytelling through dance. An Indigenous hoop dancer uses hoops to create shapes as they move to the music. The hoops represent animals, symbols and designs and are sometimes put together to make spheres.

The City of Markham supports Indigenous History Month through the City's award-winning Diversity Action Plan - Everyone Welcome. 

In 2017, Markham signed a historic accord with Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope. The agreement of cultural collaboration is a first-of-its-kind between a Canadian urban municipality and a remote northern First Nation community. As the most diverse city in Canada, Markham thrives and continues to be a municipal leader because of our multiculturalism and focus on inclusion.

When: Friday, June 21, 2019 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Markham Civic Centre - Community Flag Pole, followed by cake and refreshments in the Markham Civic Centre - Great Hall (101 Town Centre Boulevard)

Who: