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Take part in hands-on and educational activities!

The Town of Aurora will be recognizing National Indigenous Peoples History Month throughout June. The Town has created opportunities for the community to listen, learn and experience Indigenous teachings.

National Indigenous History Month is commemorated annually during the month of June. During this month, we reflect and recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada.

“National Indigenous History Month is an important time of the year where the community and our country recognize and celebrate the history and accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples,” said Mayor Tom Mrakas. “I hope our residents can join us to celebrate this special month to learn more about Indigenous experiences and teachings.”

The Town of Aurora invites residents and visitors to participate in a variety of Indigenous History Month gatherings.

Saturday, June 3 - Indigenous Crafting In partnership with the Aurora Farmers’ Market between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. families are invited to make a turtle craft while learning about the significance of turtles in the Indigenous culture.

Sunday, June 4 – Aurora Street Festival The Museum and Archives Team will be providing educational resources for the community to learn from and will lead a fun Indigenous Trivia Game. If you are at the Aurora Chamber Street Festival, stop by and check out this activity.

Saturday, June 10 - Indigenous Crafting In partnership with the Aurora Farmers’ Market between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. families are invited to make a bee craft while learning about the significance of pollinators in the Indigenous culture.

Saturday, June 17 - Indigenous Crafting and Three Sisters Soup Kits In partnership with the Aurora Farmers’ Market between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. families are invited to make corn husk dolls and then learn the story behind these faceless dolls. This activity will be focused on the Three Sisters Story. For those interested in trying a new recipe with a Three Sisters Soup Kit, they are for sale by pre-registration through aurora.ca/eplay. Kits can be picked up at the Aurora Farmers’ Market.

As the focus for the day is on the story of the Three Sisters, there will be a hands-on Indigenous seed planting activity from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Plant your own seeds using an Indigenous technique and grow something delicious.

Wednesday, June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day The Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. In celebrating this day, the Town of Aurora has partnered with the York Region Arts Council (YRAC) on the YR Experience Trail Marker Project which includes an 8-foot-tall art installation to be unveiled in Town Park. YRAC commissioned Indigenous artist Donald Chretien to create the original design that invites the observer to take an active role in the experience, as they become part of the artwork. This large circular shape trail marker is designed to invite people to stand in front of the art and become part of it.

Dave Mowat Trio will perform a live concert from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the bandshell. New this year we will be starting off the Aurora’s Concerts in the Park series early with this fantastic Indigenous trio. This concert will give us the Chicago, Delta and Country Blues feel for the night from a bygone era.

Saturday, June 24 - Indigenous Crafting and Story Telling Aurora Farmers’ Market will be celebrating strawberries between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Families are invited to make a strawberry themed craft while learning about the significance of strawberries in the Indigenous culture.
During the Farmers’ Market at 10:30 a.m. enjoy learning from Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley through storytelling.

A learning portal which provides access to various resources to learn more about Indigenous history, languages and cultural experiences is available on our webpage.

For more information on the Indigenous History Month gatherings, please call the Special Events line at 905-726-4762 or visit aurora.ca/indigenouspeoples.