Council to recognize National Indigenous History Month on June 3

For immediate release (May 30, 2024) – Orillia Council invites residents to join them as the City recognizes National Indigenous History Month at its Council meeting on June 3, 2024 at 2 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Orillia City Centre, 50 Andrew St. S.

Mr. Ben Cousineau and Mr. James Simcoe will be in attendance on behalf of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and Fay MacKenzie, along with the Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School Choir and Girls' Hand Drum Group, will perform ‘O Canada’ and the Ojibwe Prayer.

“National Indigenous History Month raises awareness and encourages Canadians to broaden our understanding, recognize, and celebrate the resilience, diversity, and culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada and within our own community,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “We are honoured to welcome Mr. Cousineau and Mr. Simcoe of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and Ms. MacKenzie and the students of the Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School on June 3 to learn from their teachings and experience their culture.”

National Indigenous History Month invites Canadians to delve deeper into the stories, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in our community and across our nation. Locally, the Mnjikaning Fish Weirs is one of the oldest man-made structures in the world and has been a sacred gathering place for First Nations peoples for thousands of years.

A virtual learning library comprised of local stories and Indigenous teachings as well as a list of events taking place in our community during National Indigenous History Month is available at orillia.ca/IndigenousInitiatives.

The June 3 Council meeting may be viewed on RogersTV Cable 10 or streamed online on the City’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com/TheCityofOrillia.

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Contact Information

Mayor Don McIsaac
705-326-1177 
mayor@orillia.ca 

Melissa Gowanlock
Manager of Communications
705-330-1951 (cell)
magowanlock@orillia.ca