Wampum belts aren’t just beautiful pieces of craftsmanship. They were used to record relationships and treaties between the First Peoples of the Eastern Woodland, and also those with settler societies in Canada.<\/p>\n
The Town of Huntsville has invited Brian Charles for an experiential learning presentation on wampum belts for National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21,<\/p>\n
Charles, an off-reserve Band member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, has worked collaboratively with a small group of knowledge keepers to research and assemble a physical repository of wampum belts that document Ojibwa history.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we reflect on how to meaningfully respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission\u2019s Calls to Action in Huntsville and across Muskoka, this workshop provides a framework for creating a shared historical understanding of the relationships and treaties that have shaped the Dish With One Spoon Territory and offers a model for how government and curriculum can treat Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian knowledge systems with equal respect,” says Charles.<\/p>\n
His presentation will be held at the Algonquin Theatre on June 21, with a meet and greet on the stage at 6:30, followed by the presentation and a Q&A period.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s an honour to have someone of the calibre of Brian Charles carry his knowledge into the community,” says Teri Souter, the Town’s Manager of Arts, Culture and Heritage. “It’s not politicized in any way and it’s accessible for anyone. Come with an open mind and open heart and open eyes and you will learn something about this place where we all live and about how we may be able to move forward in a better way in the future.”<\/p>\n
Huntsville has been celebrating June 21 with various events and indigenous partners since 2002, from simple sunrise ceremonies to tri-community pow wows and a M\u00e9tis Rendezvous. This year’s event is in keeping with Huntsville\u2019s 2018 theme\u2014It Takes a Village: Good Governance.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnishinaabe History as Told Through Wampum Belts\u201d is a free presentation at the Algonquin Theatre starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 21. It is suitable for families, although very young children may not be able to sit through the entire presentation\u2014in those instances, parents are welcome to come and go.<\/p>\n
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