September 30, 2024 – A Day of Reflection in Niagara Falls
On September 30, 2024, Niagara Falls will glow in orange from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. each hour, marking Nationwide Day for Fact and Reconciliation. Today serves as a time to honor Indigenous survivors, their households, and communities, recognizing the lasting impacts of residential colleges. The orange illumination is a robust image, impressed by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose expertise led to the creation of Orange Shirt Day, now a nationwide motion of remembrance and reflection.
Along with the Falls’ illumination, the Sturdy Water Singers, an Indigenous group from Niagara, will collect close to the bottom of Murray Road alongside the Niagara Parkway. They may carry out conventional songs and drumming, creating an environment of therapeutic and solidarity for these remembering the youngsters who by no means returned dwelling and the continued journey of reconciliation.
Niagara Parks is devoted to honoring the tales and tradition of Indigenous peoples in Niagara. Over time, the custom of illuminating the Falls in orange has grow to be a poignant annual occasion, drawing consideration to the significance of reconciliation. Notably, in 2022, Phyllis Webstad visited Niagara Parks, becoming a member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a dawn ceremony, a second documented and commemorated with an interpretive panel on the Niagara Parks Energy Station in 2023.
Uncover Indigenous Historical past By means of Panorama of Nations: Past the Mist
In collaboration with Indigenous leaders and students, Niagara Parks has revealed a brand new anthology, Panorama of Nations: Past the Mist. This guide explores over 13,000 years of Indigenous presence alongside the Niagara River hall, providing insights from Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek traditions, archaeological findings, and historic data. By means of wealthy narratives, illustrations, and images, the anthology tells the story of Indigenous life in Niagara, shedding gentle on each the previous and current.
Co-edited by Rick Hill, a specialist in Indigenous cultures, and Tim Johnson, Senior Advisor at Niagara Parks, Panorama of Nations: Past the Mist serves as an vital useful resource for anybody seeking to perceive the deep connections Indigenous communities have with the Niagara area. Copies can be found at Niagara Parks retail areas, the Niagara Falls Historical past Museum, and different native establishments.
Expertise Indigenous Tradition at Niagara Glen – Rekindling All Our Relations
For these looking for a extra immersive expertise, the Rekindling All Our Relations audio tour affords a singular journey by way of Niagara Glen. Launched in June 2024, this free, self-guided tour blends Indigenous music and storytelling, encouraging guests to discover the pure great thing about the Niagara Gorge with a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.
Curated by Michele-Elise Burnett, President of Kakekalanicks Indigenous Consulting, this tour takes you thru scenic lookouts and trails whereas connecting you to Indigenous traditions. It’s an expertise that ties collectively the land and its tales, making it a significant technique to take part in Nationwide Day for Fact and Reconciliation.
Go to the Panorama of Nations Memorial at Queenston Heights
At Queenston Heights Park, the Panorama of Nations Memorial pays tribute to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and Indigenous allies who performed an important function within the Warfare of 1812. Established in 2016, this memorial stands as an enduring image of Indigenous contributions to Canadian historical past. Guests can mirror on this legacy and the broader significance of Indigenous peoples in shaping the Niagara area and past.
Reflecting on Reconciliation
As we observe Nationwide Day for Fact and Reconciliation, it’s vital to recollect the profound impression of the residential faculty system and to proceed studying about Indigenous cultures, histories, and the resilience of their communities. By means of Niagara Parks’ varied initiatives, there are lots of alternatives to deepen our understanding and honor Indigenous peoples on this vital day and all year long.
For extra info on Niagara’s indigenous tradition, go to niagaraparks.com.
