Niibi Gatherings - Summer Discussion & Ceremony Series
The Town of Collingwood is proudly presenting the Niibi Gatherings this summer, which is a discussion and ceremony series at the Awen’ Gathering Place. This summer series will start on Tuesday, June 18 with an event in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day. This water-themed series is officially titled “Niibi Gatherings - Water is Life, Water is Alive”. Niibi is the Ojibwe word for water.
The Niibi Gatherings will be a free, rain or shine event series, with all ages welcome to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own water bottle and sitting blanket.
Where: Awen’ Gathering Place, Harbourview Park, Collingwood, ON
Dates: Tuesday, June 18, Wednesday, July 3, and Friday, August 9
Times: 7:00 PM
The Awen’ Gathering Place is located at the North end of Cedar Street. The Awen’ Gathering Place is a space of sharing, learning, ceremony, and celebration to advance recognition of the past and present Indigenous Peoples and their heritage legacy.
Niibi Gatherings:
Tuesday, June 18 - 7:00 PM
Indigenous women share a sacred connection to the spirit of niibi - water. As life-givers, all women in Anishinaabekwe culture are given the responsibility to protect and nurture water. Join us for a traditional Water Ceremony led by Saugeen First Nation Cultural and Wellness Coordinator Lori Kewaquom. The Town of Collingwood offers this event in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) and the rich contributions First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have made to Canada.
Wednesday, July 3 - 7:00 PM
Niibi - water is the most life sustaining gift on Mother Earth and is the interconnection among all living beings. It’s the home to many fish, plants, and animals that contribute to our health and well-being, yet many of us are not aware of the changes happening under the water’s surface. Andrew Akiwenzie, Natasha Akiwenzie, and Victoria Serda, from Bagida’waad Alliance, will talk about the heritage of the Chippewas of Nawash fishing families and discuss growing changes to Lake Huron and Georgian Bay from a cultural and environmental perspective. The Bagida-waad Alliance (meaning “they set a net”) is a not-for-profit environmental organization founded in 2018.
Friday, August 9 - 7:00 PM
The experience of migration, often by water, can be very different from one person to another. Following an introduction and ceremony with Elder and Oshkaabewis-messenger James Carpenter, Toronto artist Akshata Naik leads an interactive art project inviting participants to reflect on our personal history, travel, identity, and where and to whom we feel most connected. Let’s recognize and celebrate our diverse stories and identities. This event is held on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and the eve of Sidelaunch Days, the Town of Collingwood’s Harbour Festival.
More info: www.collingwood.ca/awen-gathering-place or 705-444-2500 ext. 3287