St. Paul’s holds Indigenous Day of Learning and Sharing

St. Paul’s Brockville held an Indigenous Day of Learning and Sharing this past October.

The day was planned to bring Indigenous people and settlers together to learn, share and eat lunch as one.

Keynote speaker Callie Hill gave a moving talk about the disappearance of the Mohawk language through government regulation, cruelty and fear. She shared the strides undertaken to regenerate the language among the Mohawk and exciting plans for the future.

Pam Hart shared stories of the quilt; a quilt designed by Indigenous women as a way of telling their own stories.

Patsea Griffin shared her beading talents with us in a porcupine quill earring workshop. She also shared videos of her poetry, songs and stories.

Theo Paradis shared teachings of the drum in a moving drumming and story sharing workshop.

St. Paul’s, through the generosity of Jane Guthrie, offered an opportunity to design quilting squares. Jane will put together a lap quilt in time for a raffle when we commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day, June 2024. Proceeds will be donated to an Indigenous group.

Several Indigenous entrepreneurs attended: Katiebear Beadwork, Theresa Brant Art, Patsea Griffin Beadwork, Turtle Island Coffee, along with resource sharing tables.

Indigenous foods were lovingly prepared and served for lunch; 3 Sisters soup, bannock, scones, apple cake, blueberries and beverages including cedar tea.