Contact(s)
City of Orillia Land Acknowledgement
I would like to take this moment to respectfully acknowledge that the City of Orillia is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, specifically the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, a member of the Chippewa Tri-Council and Three Fires Confederacy, and that it continues to be home to many diverse First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples.
As a City, we honour and value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the area, home to one of North America’s oldest human developments, the Mnjikaning Fish Weirs.
We acknowledge that this land is covered by the Williams Treaties and Upper Canada Treaties signed by our governments on behalf of the Anishinaabe and Canadian Peoples, and was once part of the Coldwater-Narrows Reserve.
The City of Orillia is committed to building a welcoming, caring, inclusive and accessible community for all citizens, which includes helping the community understand, acknowledge, and take action toward real Truth and Reconciliation so that we can move forward together with respect, harmony and dignity for all Indigenous Peoples of the past, present and future.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwech
Mayor Donald McIsaac
CALL TO ARTISTS
The City of Orillia in partnership with the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) and the Orillia Native Women’s Group (ONWG) invite artists who identify as Indigenous to submit their artwork for consideration in the upcoming exhibition: "Two-Spirit & Gender Diversity through History". The exhibition aims to celebrate diverse gender identities and roles within Indigenous cultures, both past and present.
Launching in June 2025—in recognition of Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month—this exhibition aims to uplift the voices of Two-Spirit and gender-diverse individuals, honouring their historical significance, cultural contributions, and resilience. Through art, we seek to reclaim traditional understandings of gender within Indigenous worldviews, challenge colonial narratives, and foster meaningful dialogue on identity, inclusion, and representation.
The exhibition will be on display within the lobby of the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.) in the culture display case across from the aquatic centre. Participation is free of charge, but space is limited. There are no artist fees paid for participation in the exhibition, however, pieces may be priced for sale. We welcome submissions in all visual art forms, from traditional to contemporary practices. To view the full Call to Artists, including design considerations and terms, please click here.
EXHIBITION DURATION:
June 2025 – December 2025
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
The deadline for submissions is noon Friday May 23, 2025.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
- The display case is located within the lobby of the Orillia Recreation Centre across from the pool. It includes 3 separate compartments that are suitable for two- and three-dimensional artwork.
- Sizes are restricted and cannot exceed 3 feet tall or 2.5 feet wide.
- Artists can interpret the theme through any subject matter that resonates with meaning for the artist provided it is suitable for display in a public space.
- Collaborations of two or more artists are welcome.
- Artwork must be original to the artist(s).
- Multi-medium will be considered provided it can fit in the display case and does not require any external power (outlets are not provided)
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submissions must include the following:
- Name of Artist(s)
- Contact information: address, phone number and email.
- Brief bio of participating artist(s)
- Artist(s) statement related to the piece and its interpretation of the theme
- Description of artwork: title, date, medium, size (h, w, d), weight (lbs), value, other considerations such as audio/video
- 3 images of the work (wide shot of the front, close up of the front and side) or video file
TERMS
- Artists selected will be required to enter into an artwork loan agreement and waiver of liability agreement with the City of Orillia.
- Work will be installed and displayed by City staff. The City of Orillia is not liable for any loss or damage that may occur in relation to the art exhibit.
- The City of Orillia reserves the right to remove any work at anytime subject to Policy 1.12.6.1 and will notify the artist upon removal.
- No artist fees will be paid for the participation in this exhibition.
- Pieces may be priced for sale but must remain a part of the exhibit until it expires. Should an artist sell their work, a 10% fee will be applied that goes into a Public Art account and is put towards future public art projects throughout the City of Orillia.
- Insurance is not provided by the City of Orillia for the duration of the exhibit. Artists are required to obtain their own insurance OR sign a waiver freeing the City of Orillia from any liability.
- Artwork will be exhibited for approximately six months.
- In the event all submissions cannot be accommodated, applications may be considered for future exhibitions.
NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS
Submissions will be juried and selected in partnership with the Orillia Public Art Committee, the Orillia Native Women’s Group, and creative community members who identify as Indigenous. Selections will be based on artistic merit, diversity of mediums, and contribution to the overall narrative of the exhibition. Only those whose work has been selected will receive notification once a final decision has been made.
For more information, please contact Allie Bradford, Culture Coordinator, City of Orillia
Email: abradford@orillia.ca
Phone: 705-325-4530
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
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The Seven Grandfather Teachings
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Welcome to "The Seven Grandfather Teachings" exhibition, a powerful celebration of Indigenous artistry and cultural heritage. This exhibit invites viewers to explore the profound wisdom of the Seven Grandfather Teachings—Zaagiwewin (love), Mnaadendmowin (respect), Zoongde’ewin (bravery), Gwekwaadziwin (honesty), Dbasendmowin (humility), Nbwaakaawin (wisdom), and Debwewin (truth)—through the creative expressions of talented Indigenous artists. Created in partnership with the City of Orillia and the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH), the exhibition features eight thought-provoking works by six artists from Orillia and surrounding areas. Many pieces are priced and available for sale, offering a unique opportunity to support the artists and bring a meaningful work of art into your own space. Located in the culture display case at the Orillia Recreation Centre, the exhibit is scheduled to be on display from December 2024 - June 2025.
Click here to view the exhibition
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Meet the Artists |
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DILLON BICKELL
Dillon Bickell is the quillwork artist behind Quillin’ By Dillon.
All of Dillon’s one-of-a-kind pieces are created with love and care. He sincerely hopes you enjoy his work, and he encourages you to appreciate all the unique elements in quilled artwork.
MALIA MATHIAS - MIZZI
Malia Mathias-Mizzi is a visual artist from Temagami First nation. She is currently a first year student in Nipissing University's Indigenous Studies program. She is also the recipient of the Weengushk International Film Festival's 2024 Blake Debassige Emerging Artist Award. Instagram: @malia.s_art
MONICA LONEY Monica is a visual Metis artist from Barrie who focuses on the use of the continuous line in her works to represent the universal connection we all share. Commissioned based, she creates one of a kind ink on paper art, guaranteeing a unique piece of intuitive work. Monica is also no stranger to public art and working a scissor lift. You can find her advocating for public art with guided tours as well as through her own large scale pieces and installations located within Simcoe County. She currently has an art piece on display at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in their Gathering Place Exhibit. Monica is the recipient of the 2022 Emerging Artist Award for the City of Barrie and hopes to continue forward showcasing the powerful benefits of art within the community. Instagram: @beautifully.monica Website: www.beautifullymonica.com
JESSICA MARTIN
Jessica Martin is a local Orillia Métis artist/goldsmith who draws inspiration from her cultural heritage to create jewellery that reflects the beauty of traditional art. She blends timeless goldsmithing techniques with contemporary designs which aim to celebrate the significance of her culture. Each piece is a testament to her dedication to preserving and sharing her heritage, while embracing modern expressions of creativity. Her work serves as both a personal connection to her roots and an invitation for others to experience the richness of her craftsmanship. Instagram: @toadallytreasured
DRAKE WILLIAMS
Drake Williams is an emerging oil painter from Rama First Nation. He’s inspired by the 70s Ojibwe art movement in Ontario, and his Elder grandfather. He explores the spirit world through his oil paintings, utilizing thick strokes of paint to depict who he believes are his Ojibway ancestors, utilizing impressionistic portraits, woodlands symbolism, regalia inspired colour-ways and references to petroglyphs within his paintings.
Instagram - @drakewilliamsart Website - drakewilliams.ca
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Previous Exhibits
| Roots and Resilience: Expressions of Identity and Culture |
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In April 2024, the City of Orillia in partnership with the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) invited Indigenous artists to submit their artwork for an Indigenous exhibit entitled “Roots & Resilience: Expressions of Identity and Culture”. The theme invited artists to explore and celebrate the deep connections to their roots and the resilience of Indigenous culture. Artists were encouraged to submit work that drew inspiration from Indigenous cultural heritage, traditional practices, storytelling, symbols, spirituality, and resiliency. The exhibition is located within the culture display case at the Orillia Recreation Centre and scheduled to be on display from May 2024 – December 2024. The exhibit showcases work from four (4) Indigenous artists from Orillia and surrounding areas.
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| Meet the Artists |
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Caroline Calverley
Ogichidaa Kwe indizhinikaaz, giigoonh ndodem, Mnjikaning ndoonjibaa, Orillia ndi da. Niminwendaan gaawayikeyaan. My English name is Caroline Calverley, I am from Mnjikaning/Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and I live in Orillia. I really like doing quillwork, I learned in 2021 from a very good friend who shared his knowledge with our Community, Kyle Sauve. I love the challenge that working with quills and bark provides, you really have to work with the material to get the look you want, from harvesting the materials to cleaning and processing if you want to use colours, to actually making the final product. Each piece I've ever made has a story hidden within the story of the piece. It's an honour and a privilege to be part of the revitalization efforts of Quillwork within our community, I also feel a strong sense of responsibility to share with community members when I can. Picking up a traditional skill like Quillwork really helped me in feeling connected to our history and who we are as Anishinaabeg. Instagram: @thequillingbear
Monica Loney
Monica is a visual Metis artist from Barrie who focuses on the use of the continuous line in her works to represent the universal connection we all share. Commissioned based, she creates one of a kind ink on paper art, guaranteeing a unique piece of intuitive work. Monica is also no stranger to public art and working a scissor lift. You can find her advocating for public art with guided tours as well as through her own large scale pieces and installations located within Simcoe County. She currently has an art piece on display at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in their Gathering Place Exhibit. Monica is the recipient of the 2022 Emerging Artist Award for the City of Barrie and hopes to continue forward showcasing the powerful benefits of art within the community. Instagram: @beautifully.monica Website: www.beautifullymonica.com
April Paul
April Marie Paul is a Maliseet/Cree North American Indian from Saint Mary’s First Nation Fredericton, New Brunswick. She lives in Ontario with her son and daughter and has 7 grandchildren. April is a graduate of the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, with a Fashion Diploma. She also holds a BA in Fine Arts with a Minor in Native Studies from Saint Thomas University. April was a Native Art instructor for 15 years at Leo Hayes Highschool and Devon Middle School. Her artistic accomplishments include beadwork, design and development paintings, and sewing. Examples of her work can be seen across the country and include:
April has been an artist since preschool and says, “I will be famous before I leave this world”.
Vicki Pavis
From Rama First Nation, Vicki is an accomplished artisan and is passionate about sharing her knowledge about the process of beadworking. Her piece, entitled “Every Child Does Matter,” is a dream catcher made with glass beads and pine tree sap on a heart-shaped canvas. While creating it, Vicki turned the dream catcher upside down and noticed the beads had formed a cross shape at its center. “The ancestors’ blood runs through our veins,” Vicki said, referring to the symbolism behind the cross. She is passionate about sharing her creative knowledge and hopes to continue engaging with the community. |
Indigenous Initiatives Background
In 2020, Council voted to incorporate a land acknowledgement statement into its official Council proceedings during National Indigenous History Month, as well as during the inaugural meeting of newly elected Councils each term.
Council wanted to add a land acknowledgement to special Council proceedings to give it the importance and reverence it deserves, and ensure it is presented in a meaningful way, with purpose during special times of the year, and not something that gets checked off procedurally.
The City first incorporated a land acknowledgement into its June 7, 2021, Council meeting: Council to recognize National Indigenous Month at June 7, 2021 meeting. For more background on the land acknowledgement, read Report PRCR-20-01 Land Acknowledgement Statement.
Community Events
The City of Orillia proudly supports local events and exhibitions for Indigenous initiatives, and encourages the public to explore the heritage, traditions, and culture of Indigenous peoples. We invite you to learn more about these communities, their invaluable contributions, and how they continue to help shape our history and community.
To assist residents in accessing resources and experiences, the City has assembled a comprehensive listing featuring various events and information on Indigenous Initiatives within the area and country. Much of the information is sourced from external sources and partner organizations. Updates will be made on an on-going basis as new information becomes available. For the most current and accurate information, please refer to the host organization’s website prior to attending an event.
Individuals and organizations offering experiential activities to the public, such as workshops, classes, festivals, and other events, are invited to send us details to promote on this webpage. You are also welcome to add your event to the City’s events calendar at https://calendar.orillia.ca/.
Listings should include the following:
- Name of Activity
- Short description
- Date(s)
- Time(s)
- Contact or registration details
- Webpage
| Flag Raising - Orillia Native Women's Group |
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Date and Time: Monday, June 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Location: Orillia Opera House - 20 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A6 Organizer: Orillia Native Women's Group |
| Gathering Festival of First Nations Stories - Arts Orillia |
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| Tufting with Noopimiing Creations - OMAH |
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Date and Time: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Location: 30 Peter St., S. Orillia Organizer: Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) Details: Public: $95.00 +HST Members: $80.00 +HST Join Hunter Corbiere, owner of Noopimiing Creations, for this special version of our Midday-Make Series. In the final Midday-Make before we break for the summer, participants will learn tufting, a traditional Indigenous art form that uses small bunches of dyed animal hair to create 3-D sculptural designs. All materials, a light snack and refreshments are included. Please note that this program is 4-hours in length. About the Instructor: Noopimiing Creations is owned and operated by Hunter Corbiere, an Anishinaabekwe, and a band member of M’Chigeeng First Nation located on Manitoulin Island. She currently lives and creates on the Southern shores of Georgian Bay. Corbiere is a friend of the land and carries a background in the environmental field, specifically in forestry. She is also a self taught artist, ranging from beading, tufting, moccasin making, and porcupine quill work; carrying on the artwork of her grandmother, and continues to keep learning, teaching, and sharing as she goes. Combining her passion for the land and traditional art, she strives to work with sustainable materials and hopes she can tie the connection to the protection of mother earth through her pieces. In her free time she loves to be out on the land hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing and hunting; but also enjoys many cozy days inside watching a good movie or drawing! |
| Indigenous People's Day Celebration - ONWG |
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Date and Time: June 19th, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Location: Biindigen Pavilion - 140 Canice St., Orillia. Organizer: Orillia Native Women's Group Details: Be proud to be you! Show your Indigenous pride! Join ONWG for a fun day at the park. Harvey's will be joining us to supply burgers to round out our feast! Please bring a side dish to share :) |
| December 2024 Events - Orillia Native Women's Group |
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The Orillia Native Women's Group has some exciting programs and activities planned for you. Be sure to visit their Facebook page and website for more information about upcoming events. Click the link below to view the PDF for a listing and description of each event available this month: |
| October 2024 Events - Orillia Native Women's Group |
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| September 2024 Events |
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September Activities Listing & Descriptions
Orillia Public Library The Orillia Public Library has created a StoryWalk in recognition of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The StoryWalk is an outdoor reading activity community members can interact with from Thursday September 26th until Tuesday November 1st.
Flag Raising Ceremony In recognition of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Orillia, in partnership with local Indigenous organizations, will hold a flag raising ceremony at the Orillia Opera House on Monday, September 23rd at 11:15 a.m.
Flags will be lowered to half mast on the morning of Saturday, September 28th and will remain at half mast until Tuesday, October 1st to commemorate the tragedy of residential schools. See the poster below for more information:
National Day of Truth & Reconciliation - 4th Annual Community Walk & Gathering Join us on Monday, September 30th, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., for the 4th Annual Community Walk & Gathering in recognition of National Day of Truth & Reconciliation. View the poster below for more information:
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| August 2024 Events - Orillia Native Women's Group |
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Happy August! We hope everyone has been enjoying their summer break so far. As we prepare for back to school and getting into routines again, please note the time change for Hand Drum Circle - everyone is welcome! Be sure to visit our Facebook page and website. View the August calendar below, and click the PDF for a listing and description of each event: August Activities Listing & Descriptions
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| July 2024 Events - Orillia Native Women's Group |
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Summer break is officially here! The Orillia Native Women's Group has some exciting programs and activities planned for you. Watch their Facebook for pictures to be posted soon from our June activities! View the July calendar below, and click the PDF for a listing and description of each event: July Activities Listing & Descriptions
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| Hand Drum Circle (Various 2024 Dates) – Orillia Native Women’s Group |
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2024 Dates: May 23, June 6, June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, August 29, September 12, September 16, October 10, October 24, November 7, November 21, December 5, December 19 Time: 4pm-5pm Everyone welcome! For more information, visit: https://www.onwg.net/ |
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Open House (June 7, 2024) - Orillia Native Women's Group |
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2pm-5pm
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Social Drop-In (Various 2024 Dates) |
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2024 Dates: June 17, July 22, August 19, September 2, October 21, November 18. |
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GATHERING: Festival of First Nations Stories (May 31 – June 1, 2024) – Arts Orillia |
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Don’t miss this anticipated event with award-winning authors, storytellers and musicians. Everyone is coming to Rama First Nation as events kick off Friday, May 31st at 7 p.m. with a Story Welcome Circle at Rama Community Hall. Festival host Sherry Lawson and (Gimaa) Chief Ted Willams will lead the community welcome for visiting authors and presenters Alicia Elliott, Armand Garnet Ruffo, Brandon Reid and Drew Hayden Taylor. You’ll also meet Rama First Nation’s own celebrated author and artist, Chief Lady Bird as well as award winning filmmaker Keesic Douglas!
But that’s not all! Stay for the party. Anishinaabe DJ and producer Boogey the Beat will hit the stage at 8 p.m. All the way from Winnipeg, this performer will build percussive heartbeats with passion as he reminds audiences that, “at one time it was illegal for us to sing these songs, play these drums, and go to these ceremonies – now it’s a time for celebration, and for us to take over the main stage.”
Don’t stay up too late! On Saturday June 1st, the Sunrise Circle at Victoria Park in Rama starts at 5:30 a.m. and it's followed by a comprehensive day of learning and entertainment back at Rama Community Hall, beginning at 9 a.m. Enjoy readings with our guest authors, and a session about Indigenous Governance with Christa Big Canoe and Julie Williams. You are also warmly invited to a screening of Welcome Home. A Healing Journey Back to Community created with members of Rama First Nation Binoojiinyag gaa bi giiwejig - Children Who Came Home. Arts Orillia is proud to bring our guest speakers to local elementary and secondary schools as part of Gathering: Festival of First Nations Stories.
See Arts Orillia’s website for a complete schedule. All events are free of charge, but making a reservation is encouraged, to secure your seat. Gathering is made possible through the generous support of private donors along with federal, provincial and corporate funders. Close to home, we would like to thank Mariposa Folk Foundation for its commitment to Indigenous music artists at Gathering: Festival of First Nations Stories. In addition, many thanks to our supporters at Orillia Community Foundation, City of Orillia, and Rama First Nation.
Media Contact: Kate Hilliard, Artistic Director: (416) 455-3657. |
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Beadworking with Vicki Pavis (June 5, 2024) – Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) |
| On Wednesday, June 5, from 12 to 2 p.m., as part of our Midday-Make series, please join local beadworker Vicki Pavis for your chance to make a beaded pendant and/or keychain. From Rama First Nation, Vicki is an accomplished artisan and is passionate about sharing her knowledge about the process of beadworking. Participants will leave with wearable art! All materials, a light snack and refreshments are included, but participants are welcome to bring their own lunch. No beading experience is necessary.
ALL materials are supplied by the instructor. PRICE PER SESSION: $30 +HST Members / $35 +HST for General
For more information, visit the OMAH webpage. |
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Indigenous People's Day Celebration (June 21, 2024) – Orillia Native Women’s Group |
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12pm-5PM
For more information, visit the website. |
Dates of Significance
Below is a list of days and activities that recognize and honour the lives, teachings and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. Please feel free to share your activity with us help grow this list.
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January 4: National Ribbon Skirt Day |
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The passing of Bill S-219 recognizing January 4 as National Ribbon Skirt Day. The Bill was proposed following the treatment of Isabella Kulak, a member of the Cote First Nation, Saskatchewan, who was told the skirt was inappropriate for a formal day at her elementary school. Ribbon Skirt Day looks to help Canadians understand the significance of importance of ribbon skirts to Indigenous women, girls and people of all genders. Ribbon Skirt Teaching with Elder Marie “Buffy” Cheecham |
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June: National Indigenous History Month |
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We set aside June each year to honour and commemorate National Indigenous History Month, with June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. During this month and throughout the year, we encourage you take time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. |
| September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation |
| Proclaimed in 2021 by the Government of Canada, the day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities, and coincides with Orange Shirt Day. It is meant as a time for reflecting on the tragic and ongoing legacy of the residential school system and finding our own ways to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action. |
| November 5-11: Treaties Recognition Week |
| Treaties Recognition Week was established in Ontario to honour the importance of treaties including the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today.
Visit the Ontario Government's webpage for a number of virtual activities. |
Educational Resources
Gojijing Kikendaasogmig: A Place for Knowledge
A virtual learning library comprised of local stories and Indigenous teachings developed in consultation with youth leaders, local Elders, teachers and community members.
Local Groups and Resources
| Orillia Native Women's Group |
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The Orillia Native Women’s Group is a not-for-profit organization serving Indigenous women and their families in Orillia, Simcoe County. They are an Indigenous governed agency committed to the growth and empowerment of Indigenous women. The support the well-being of families, fostering a sense of community by offering opportunities for healing, sharing, and enriching their knowledge of local cultures and traditions. |
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Banac Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Clinic - ORILLIA |
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Providing wholistic health care and wellness programming that incorporates Indigenous culturally grounded, collaborative health care to residents of North Simcoe and Muskoka. 210 Memorial Ave, Unit 112A&B |
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Chippewas of Rama First Nation Culture and Research Department |
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The Culture and Research Department promotes and preserves the rich culture, history, and traditions of First Nations people, in particular that of Rama First Nation. The Culture and Research department also seeks to educate both community members and non-community members alike on a variety of topics related to First Nations. |
Regional and National Resources
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Indigenous Canada - Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada, from an Indigenous perspective.
Senator Murray Sinclair's challenge related to the 94 Calls to Action
In the News
Local Indigenous woman paying it forward in Guatemala - Jan 29, 20223
Lakehead hopes new crosswalk helps pave way for reconciliation
Georgian's Orillia campus unveils Truth and Reconciliation Trail
Orange Shirt Day a reminder of harrowing life in residential school - Mother of local elder shares her story about trying to escape from residential school and the scars she bears from the 'sorrow (that) is everlasting'
Community effort honours kids who died at residential schools
| Area mayors call on province to improve education on Indigenous matters - Orillia Matters |
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Clarke says, “I just think education has the ability to naturally move reconciliation forward when ... we have a greater understanding of each other's perspective." |
| St. Paul's Centre celebrating a new round of Call to Action #83 |
Health and Wellness
Former Residential School students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
