(Barrie, ON) – The month of June is recognized as National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The City of Barrie is supporting and collaborating with community partners to provide opportunities to learn about and celebrate the rich heritage, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples through the following events:
- Flag Raising Ceremony & Information Booths: Thursday, June 4 at City Hall (70 Collier Street). Information booths will be set up in the Rotunda from 12 to 1pm. At 1 p.m., Mayor Alex Nuttall and representatives from the Indigenous community will recognize the start of National Indigenous History Month at a flag raising ceremony. Student classes and groups are welcome to attend. Teachers can reach out to events@barrie.ca to register a class.
- Storytelling Through Song with Regional Indigenous Musicians: Tuesday, June 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Barrie Public Library, Downtown Branch (60 Worsley Street). Enjoy an evening of song and dance with regional Indigenous musicians and The Indian Road Drum Group on the Barrie Public Library patio. This is a free event open to the public and does not require registration. A light dinner will provided and parking is free at the library after 5pm.
Programming is organized in partnership with the City of Barrie, the Barrie Native Friendship Centre, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Primary Care Team from the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle, Barrie Public Library, and the Downtown Barrie Improvement Area (BIA).
For more information, visit barrie.ca/NIHM.
To learn about other events happening around the region in recognition of National Indigenous History Month, visit barrie.ca/Events.