Changing of Seasons


Changing of the Seasons

A celebration and honouring of each change in season. An opportunity to gather as a community to learn from Indigenous knowledge keepers and to build relationships. The Changing of the Seasons Ceremonies have been made possible through the support of the Collingwood Indigenous Circle.

 


Summer Solstice

June 18, 2023 - Awen’ Gathering Place

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Image captures five men seated on a stage around a large red drum with hide skin, each holding a soft-tipped drum stick in their hands. Behind the seated men is a projection screen with a slide that reads 'Installation of Georgian College's sixth president and CEO Kevin Weaver'. Right of the text is the Georgian College Coat of Arms.
  • Join Knowledge Keeper James and Lori Kewaquom as we honour the Summer Solstice through Indigenous cultural teaching and knowledge sharing. Jennifer McFarlane and Heather McIntyre will emcee the gathering joined by drum group Ashunyung from Georgina Island. Activities will include Indigenous teachings, sacred fire, Inuit games, raffle entry for attendees wearing a ribbon skirt, ribbon shirt or Indigenous handmade items and Indigenous vendors.

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    Go Show the World StoryWalk©

    Train Trail

    Month of June

  • Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes by Wab Kinew pays tribute to historic and modern-day Indigenous heroes touching briefly on their stories, inspiring future heroes.
  • StoryWalk© is located along the Train Trail beginning at the Collingwood Museum and running to Collins Street.
    • Book cover for 'Go Show the World'. Cover is of an illustration depicting an Indigenous child with an extended left arm, in front of trees and water. Blue sky - with a few clouds - and the sun are depicted above.

       

      Beading Workshop

      Awen' Gathering Place

      June 18, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

      a poster with a variety of coloured beads in white circular containers and text that reads 'Changing of the Seasons... Beading Workshop'
    • Learn about Indigenous beadwork and design. This workshop is suitable for new and experienced beaders, an opportunity to learn a new skill or practice an old while working and connecting with others. Free. Registration required visit.


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        Amanda Rheaume Concert

        Shipyard Amphitheatre

        June 21, 8:00 p.m.

      • In celebration of National Indigenous People’s Day, the Town of Collingwood, in collaboration with the Collingwood Indigenous Circle, presents a special concert. Amanda Rheaume is a Citizen of the Metis Nation and an active proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Rheaume’s music is from the heart and the land, inspired by a long line of tireless, transformational organizers and activists. From the International Indigenous Music Summit to the newly founded Ishkode Records and National Indigenous Music Office, the goal of raising Indigenous sovereignty in the music industry drives all of Rheaume’s work. This event is part of the Live & Original Music Initiative.
        • Image of Amanda Rheaume wearing a red fringe jacket and smiling.

          Sweat Lodge

          • The Madoodiswan (Sweat Lodge) is one of the oldest Indigenous Ceremonies in North America. This Ceremony has been practised and preserved within many Indigenous Nations for thousands of years.   The Sweat Lodge represents the Womb of Mother Earth. In this Ancient Ceremony, there is an opportunity for individuals to build their Spirit Connection, cleanse their Physical Beings, and seek guidance from our Ancestors. There are many reasons to attend a ‘Sweat Lodge Ceremony’ however participants are often on their individual personal healing journeys, at times seeking clarity for their ‘Path of Life’.   The Ceremony itself is believed to be its own Living being. So, when we attend a ‘Lodge’ for the first time we can feel comfortable and safe that “Mother Earth’s Womb” will take good care of us.   The Lodge Ceremony will help us Balance, our Mind, Body, Spirit, and Emotions. This of course is all achieved by asking the spirits for that healing. The Lodge Ceremony really encourages participants to be their True Self and to remember their own Spirit.   The Ceremony was shared with the Anishinabek so that we would have opportunities to heal and cleanse our Sacred Lifeforce within us. The Lodge will help us remember our connection to all things within Creation and give us time to honour the Sacred Balance of all Life.
             

           

          Three Sisters Soup

          • The Three Sisters, three crops: corn, beans and squash are traditionally, for some Indigenous Nations, grown together, working harmonously to stregthen one another through support, nutrients and protection. The Three Sisters story is an important Indigenous teaching and cultural practice.   Three Sisters Soup will be prepared by the Collingwood Youth Centre Culinary interns guided by the program Chef and an Indigenous facilitator.


            Fall Equinox

            September 23, 2023 - Awen’ Gathering Place


            Winter Solstice

            December 21, 2023 - Awen’ Gathering Place

             

            Spring Equinox

            March 20, 2024 - Awen’ Gathering Place