Local Events
Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát 21st Annual Pow Wow
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
University of Waterloo, Columbia Icefield (CIF), Outdoor Field 7 220 Columbia St W, Waterloo, ON N2L 0A1
This year continues the collaboration between the Shatitsirótha’ Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) and the University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR). This one-day non-competitive celebration of Indigenous heritage features vendors, dancers, and singers from the Waterloo region and beyond. Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát Pow Wow is intended to be a safe, welcoming, and vibrant opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks from the UWaterloo community and beyond to gather in celebration of indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.
Cost: Free admission
Parking: Free parking is available in the OpenText parking lot, located at 275 Frank Tompa Dr, Waterloo
Additional parking will be available in the UWaterloo Parking Lot X
Accessible parking available
Sacred Fire and Vigil
September 29, 2024 | Starting at 7:00 pm
Located at Victoria Park Playground in Kitchener
On Sunday, Sept 29th, in Willow River Park, there will be a sacred fire & vigil for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Honouring those who never made it home and those who did. Please bring a blanket or chair, a candle, and wear orange.
Grounding & Gathering to Honour the Children
September 29, 2024 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
YMCA Camp Kiway, Hessen Strasse, Wellesley, ON N0B, Canada
Join Crow Shield Lodge as they hold space to honour the children, residential school survivors, their families, and communities. The day will include a sacred fire, circle with Elders, bundle feasting and rock painting for support and preparation for September 30th.
They will also have a virtual Sacred Fire – an opportunity for those unable to attend live events to request prayers, mourn, and heal.
4th Annual Cambridge Orange Shirt Day
September 30, 2024 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Civic Square, 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge (City Hall)
This event is organized to honour survivors of the residential school system, their families, and communities. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange, bring drums, and bring medicine.
Mental health support will be available for anyone in need. This event is an opportunity to come together in support of all Indigenous communities, those affected by intergenerational trauma, genocide and the ongoing oppression of Indigenous and 2 spirits in our community.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2024 | 7:00 am – 12:30 pm
200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 (BC Matthews Hall Green, University of Waterloo)
On this day, we honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Widespread public commemoration and acknowledgement of the tragic and painful history, continued impact, and intergenerational trauma of Canada’s residential school legacy is a vital component of the reconciliation process. We will also highlight the beauty and resilience of indigeneity and the strengthening of bonds with allies as we navigate this complex and meaningful day.
All of the ceremonies will start and end at the B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) Green.
Beaded Broach Workshop with Cecilia Elizabeth Best
September 30, 2024 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, 25 Caroline Street North Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y5
In this workshop, you will work alongside local indigenous artist Cecilia Elizabeth Best to learn traditional stitching techniques to create your own beaded brooch.
General Admission: $30
Family Drum Night
Every Tuesday | 6:00-8:30 PM
Downtown Kitchener Community Center
35 Weber Street E, Kitchener
The drum brings the heartbeat of Mother Earth for all to feel and hear. Drumming brings us back into balance.
We can connect with spirit whether dancing, singing or just listening.
Every Tuesday!
6:00 – 6:30 pm – Youth drum (18 and under), facilitated by Nimkii Stevens
6:30 – 8:30 pm – Men’s drum, facilitated by Scott Stevens
Come for community, to share stories, sing and dance, you do not have to sit at the drum to attend.
You are welcome to bring your regalia for dancing.
For program information please contact:
Kelly Welch
Cultural Program Coordinator
Healing of the Seven Generations
519-570-9118
kwelch@healingofthesevengenerations.ca
Women’s Drumming Circle
Every Wednesday | 6:00-8:30 PM
300 Frederick St, Kitchener, ON N2H 2N6, Canada
A sharing and healing circle open to cis and trans woman, as well as non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centres on the experiences of women. This circle incorporates the use of Indigenous traditional medicines, teachings and songs.
Doors will be open at 6:00 pm and we will begin at 6:15 pm.
Facilitated by:
Kelly Welch and Laini Lascalles
For more information contact:
Kelly Welch
Cultural Program Coordinator
kwelch@healingofthesevengenerations.ca
519-570-9118