Performance at Oakville Centre in remembrance of Indigenous children who never returned home
Published April 20, 2022 at 4:12 pm
Local residents are invited to a special stage performance that will help them learn more about the Indigenous roots of Oakville and the children who never returned home from schools across Canada.
Tickets are now on sale for the stage performance of Debwewin – Truth of the Land at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA) on May 24 at 7 p.m.
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) Gimaa Stacey Laforme and special guests will perform in remembrance of the Indigenous children who never returned home to their families from residential schools across Canada.
Special guests include Susan Aglukark, Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers), Manitou Mkwa Singers, Mark LaForme Band, Gimaa Laforme reading poetry with three student Ally Poetry Contest winners (through the Oakville Community Foundation) and Arthouse’s children’s performance of One Drum.
“Debwewin – Truth of the Land is a special performance that honours Indigenous children who never returned home to their families from residential schools across Canada,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.
“I encourage residents to take the opportunity to learn more about the Indigenous roots of Oakville and consider ways we can all work together to support an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community.”
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Presented by the Town of Oakville in partnership with the MCFN and the Oakville Community Foundation, the special performance is in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and part of Oakville’s continuous efforts to honour Indigenous culture and history.
The town is rich in the history and modern traditions of many First Nations and the Métis.
From the lands of the Anishinabe to the Attawandaron, the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in Indigenous history.
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation should be thanked for being stewards of this traditional territory.
“The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) are proud to have worked with the Oakville Community Foundation for a number of years to move forward on the Calls to Action in Oakville, and we are proud to present Debwewin – Truth of the Land,” said Laforme.
“This performance will honour and share Indigenous history, as I believe the arts are not simply beautiful and entertaining, they are the ultimate in communication and allow for a deeper connection and understanding.”
The Town of Oakville says it is committed to Truth and Reconciliation work and is providing its residents with the opportunity to learn about, and support, Indigenous communities.
Further details will be given in May on the additional ways local residents can recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and National Indigenous History Month in June.
For updates, visit the Indigenous Culture and Community page.
For tickets to the stage performance of Debwewin – Truth of the Land along with more details, visit the OCPA page.
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