Algonquin History Plaques Longstanding Indigenous Presence Recognized - theHumm June 2021
Algonquin History Plaques Longstanding Indigenous Presence Recognized - theHumm June 2021
By Andy Fisher is with the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation
Thousands of years before European settlers arrived in what is now called Lanark County, Algonquin/Omàmìwininì People thrived in these lands. When Samuel de Champlain first encountered Algonquins in the 1600s, the land was not empty. Rather, the Algonquin People had complex social and political structures for governing their homeland. These structures worked at an individual and collective level to maintain balanced relationships within the Natural World, fulfilling the Algonquins’ responsibilities to Creation. Little of this history is known by the current non-Indigenous occupants of this territory, including the fact that the land has never been ceded or surrendered by the Algonquin People.
In an effort to recognize both this history and the ongoing presence of Algonquin communities, two plaques have just been installed in Lanark County. The creation and installation of the plaques was organized by the community volunteer group Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation. The Neighbours group worked in partnership with elders from the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, who acted in the role of advisors.
One of these advisors, Larry McDermott of the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, made the following statement. “Chi miigwetch (thank you) to the Lanark County Neighbors for Truth and Reconciliation for coordinating these efforts to bring forward voice of Algonquin ancestral legacy, animate a history that has been silenced and exemplify the way forward in cross-cultural respect for the land and water as was intended in the original wampum belts and early generosity of our Algonquin ancestors to the first settlers. Ginawaydaganuc — all of life is connected and bound by Natural Law which no human being has the power to change.”
One of the plaques is entitled “Thousands of Years of Algonquin Homeland.” It is located in the Tay Basin in Perth, near the Crystal Palace. This downtown Perth location was chosen as a high traffic area that will allow many residents and tourists to learn a different story about Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley. The large, beautifully designed plaque describes the lifeways of the Algonquin People prior to European contact, as well as the impacts of ongoing colonialism on the natural world and the Algonquin People themselves.
The other plaque, mounted on a marble boulder, is entitled “Algonquins of Bedford, Oso & South Sherbrooke.” It can be found on the south side of County Road 36, between the Crow Lake Road and Hanna Road turnoffs, just north of the community of Bolingbroke. This plaque tells the story of the Algonquin Chief Shawinipinessi’s petition in the middle of the nineteenth century to have a reserve set aside for his community. Reserves were not a traditional way of existence for Algonquin People, but Shawinipinessi made the petition because of the steady destruction of the Natural World of the Algonquin homeland. Despite the Crown’s approval of a reserve, the land continued to be destroyed by squatters and timber merchants. The Crown then denied that a reserve had ever been granted, and Shawinipinessi’s community was forced to find other places to live.
Images of both plaques can be found at lanarkcountyneighbours.ca . They are definitely worth a visit in person, though, for the powerful impact they make in the open air of these ancient lands. The Tay Basin plaque was designed by the Perth area’s Annie Dalton.
Congratulations are due to the Town of Perth and to Tay Valley Township for their enthusiastic support of these two works of historical remembrance.
“We are happy to have this beautiful and informative sign installed in the heart of Perth,” stated Mayor John Fenick. “It provides valuable information about the Algonquin Nation and their way of life before the settlers arrived, and continued presence in our area. I strongly encourage all Perth residents to walk through the Tay Basin and take some time to stop and enjoy the new sign and learn more about the Algonquin Nation.”
Reeve Brian Campbell shared similarly positive sentiments. “Tay Valley Township is pleased to be able to contribute to local knowledge about the history of the Algonquin in our area. For too many years Algonquins have gone hidden and unrecognized in our communities in Eastern Ontario since they never had reserves established. With this plaque we hope to encourage greater awareness of the Algonquins among us today, their past struggles, and we look forward to future activities together.”
This plaque project has truly been a community exercise. In addition to the support of the two municipalities and the partnership between the Algonquin elders and the Neighbours group, it has included many financial donations and volunteer efforts. For the Bolingbroke location, for instance, OMYA Canada (Tom Lalonde and Carlos Morales Velez) donated five marble boulders. Tony Sweeney of Sweeney Landscaping did the tricky work of placing a 4-ton boulder atop another boulder. Brooke Valley’s Ian Duthie then lent his time and skill to mount the plaque on this cap rock. Also working hard behind the scenes were Tay Valley planner Noelle Reeve, the Tay Valley Heritage Committee, and Tay Valley Public Works. While the installation of the plaques is an important step in the truth and reconciliation process, the high level of community commitment speaks well to an ongoing interest in the vital longer-term work of historical repair.
Ceremonies led by Algonquin leaders were initially planned for the unveiling of the plaques, but these are now delayed due to the pandemic. Those interested in the forthcoming ceremonies and other reconciliation events can sign up for the mailing list on the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation website lanarkcountyneighbours.ca . The Neighbours group was established in 2012 as a local organization dedicated to implementing the Calls to Action issued in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The group works under the direction of local Indigenous advisors. New members are always welcome.
Frank Sammut —Fine Wood Working - theHumm June 2021
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
Kokopelli Custom Woodworking is Frank Sammut’s celebration of the natural beauty and wonder encapsulated in the trees that fall on his 87 acres of bush lot near Maberly. His lifelong fondness for working with his hands has culminated in a passion for creating one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture that showcase nature’s beauty. Wood speaks to him. And he creates poetry in response.
Frank’s artistic tables and benches are as much sculptures as the......
Warden Proclaims June as PRIDE Month - theHumm June 2021
Warden Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor) has proclaimed June as PRIDE Month in Lanark County and encourages residents to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality faced by members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community while celebrating the contributions that enhance the county.
The proclamation expresses support for every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination, and notes all people, regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic characteristics or disability, hav......
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By Susie Osler
It is mid-May. Late Spring. The air is pulsing with life. The miracle that is migration parades a blessing of beautiful birds back to parks, forests, streets and yards, along with their chorus of songs telling us, again, to listen, look, and revel in Life. Amongst the flurry of feathery delights, another migration of sorts has also been underway. Postmarked packages containing thousands of little genetic bundles criss-cross the continents on flightpaths of their own — from seed producers to the mailbo......
Rural Root’s Comedic Double-Feature - theHumm June 2021
After winning the Ottawa Faces Magazine People’s Choice Award for Favourite Theatre Company, Rural Root Theatre Company is hard at work bringing live theatre to the community again.
Rural Root’s third virtual production is a comedy extravaganza that features Dagny Jackson’s Fishing for Fate and Peter Paylor’s Tea with Roger. It is being presented live via Zoom on June 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30pm and on Sunday, June 6 at 2pm. The show is free, and you can choose your date by visiting ruralroot.org .
Imagine hailing a cab only to f......
Pop Up Summer Theatre - theHumm June 2021
By Juli Heney
Studio Theatre Perth is happy to announce a plan to return to live theatre at the end of summer — but in a new, Covid-friendly, engaging and exciting way!
During the weekend of August 28 and 29, there will be 10-minute plays popping up all over downtown Perth and in a few other select locations. We are joining forces with Kanata Theatre in presenting plays that were developed through a playwriting workshop facilitated by award-winning playwright Guy Newsham.
There will be......
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From May 26 to July 2 (leading up to Canada Day), Sivarulrasa Gallery is pleased to present Rooted in Time, an intriguing installation by Ottawa-based artist Gayle Kells that uses art to explore Canadian identity in the 21st Century. Kells was born to two Lebanese Canadians who both had parents who immigrated to Canada at different times. The installation can be viewed virtually until the current lockdown is lifted; at which time we will open our doors again to in-person view......
Art in the Garden 2021 Event Allows for Social Distancing - theHumm June 2021
Art in the Garden is back at Kiwi Gardens this year in an extended format following Covid protocols. From June 18–20 and 25–27, come wander their 10 acres and find delightful art for enhancing your home garden, produced by local artists, artfully displayed in shady woods and on sunny lawns. Bring your parasol and come for a stroll!
Art in the Garden is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9–5, but tickets and car passes must be purchased for specific time slots to ena......
Destination: Downtown Smiths Falls - theHumm June 2021
By John Pigeau
When things slowly begin opening up again in Smiths Falls, folks in the area will have a whole lot to be excited about — and it’s safe to say that Amy Rensby, owner of C’est Tout Bakery, might be a little more excited than most.
She has good reason to be.
In June, C’est Tout Bakery — the little bakery that could — is set to become the first commercial tenant to open its doors at the newly restored and renovated Rideau Hotel on Beckwith Street. Understandably, Amy is pretty thril......
Abstract + Landscape An Interview with Sarah Moffat - theHumm June 2021
By Kris Riendeau
There’s a tangible sense of optimism brewing amongst visual artists and galleries in our area. After months (and months) of moving-target restrictions, many are eyeing mid-June as the time they might be able to begin the gradual return to “normal”. One artist and gallery owner who has already chucked “normal” and set her sights on “better” is Sarah Moffat sarahmoffat.com . Sarah has spent the past several months doing major renovations to h......
Invasive Perennials — Buyer Beware! - theHumm June 2021
By David Hinks
I find that gardeners who choose perennial flowers to grace their yards and gardens face a bit of a dilemma. One the one hand gardeners want plants that will thrive; on the other hand they want plants that will be well behaved. Many people go into gardening with perennials believing that it will be effortless — put in the right plants and your new perennial border will be maintenance-free.
Not completely true! I find that the essence of gardening is really our desire to “shape unruly nature” to e......
Harmony Concerts Come to Perth! - theHumm June 2021
By Kris Riendeau
Although this last year or so has been exceedingly tough on artists and performers, we are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. One very positive sign is the announcement of a new concert series taking place at Studio Theatre Perth! Organized by Ottawa-based Harmony Concerts, the series will open with Lynn Miles in late-June and continue right through to December with a fabulous line-up that features fiddling, folk, jazz, blues and more. We (very excitedly!) contacted Harmony’s......
Mom is On Your Shoulder! - theHumm June 2021
By Glenda Jones
Listen here, You! You can’t do whatever you please and think that no one is noticing. Your Mom is noticing, and she refuses to stay silent any longer. You’re being a bad person when you abuse others, send nasty emails or anonymous Tweets. Your Mom knows, and by golly, you are going to pay! She definitely doesn’t approve of your behaviour. You know full well what’s worse than a darn good spanking, don’t you? It’s when Mom stands in front of you, with her arms crossed, and quietly says, “You’ve disappointed me. I thought you were better than that.” Yikes, you’ve been reprimanded big time. A......
Algonquin History Plaques Longstanding Indigenous Presence Recognized - theHumm June 2021
By Andy Fisher is with the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation
Thousands of years before European settlers arrived in what is now called Lanark County, Algonquin/Omàmìwininì People thrived in these lands. When Samuel de Champlain first encountered Algonquins in the 1600s, the land was not empty. Rather, the Algonquin People had complex social and political structures for governing their homeland. These structures worked at an individual and collective level to maintain balanced relationships within the Natural World, fulfilling the Algonquins’ responsibilities t......
climatenetworklanark.ca Your Resource for Local Climate Questions & Action - theHumm June 2021
By Chandler Swain
If you’re wondering what’s going on in Lanark with Climate Action and how you can contribute, consider this: municipal governments control or influence half of all greenhouse gas emissions produced locally.
This is good news as we try to figure out how to help create the changes needed to confront the Climate Crisis. There is significant headway to be made to address these issues here in Lanark County. We have the capacity and the power to do this. But where to start?
For the last year, membe......
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By Danielle K.L. Grégoire
When I first moved to Almonte in 2007, it was for what I called my favourite Ps: Poetry, Puppetry and Pottery. I was lucky to live there when the Puppets Up Festival was in full swing, bringing thousands to our fair town, and right now I am revelling in the memory of those giant crowds and all the children laughing and experiencing the joy of puppetry. I moved away to Seattle in 2012, and when it came time to return to Canada there was only one place I wanted to be: the town where I h......
Cycling in Miss Mills - theHumm June 2021
Ever consider joining a bicycle group so you can share some of your rides with others? Maybe now is the time to get organized for when the Covid restrictions end. Many of us will haul out a bike this spring. Some will ride to do errands around town, a few to commute to work, others to explore the beautiful quiet roads and trails in the area, while still others will enjoy a long, hard workout. Hopefully, we all do it for pleasure. Sometimes we prefer to ride solo and sometimes the kil......
Just the Tip An Interview with Tattoo Artist Sarah Wright - theHumm June 2021
By Kris Riendeau
Over the years, I’ve learned that when one artist highly recommends another, it’s generally a good idea to follow up on the tip. In this case, the tip came from Kaajuk Kablalik, who is profiled in the April 2021 issue of theHumm. Along with the headshot for his Artist Trading Card, Kaajuk sent along a photo of his tattoos (shown here), which were done by a visual artist and graphic designer living with their four kids on a small homestead in Brooke Valley. I followed the link to their website
Go Jump in the Lake, Kids! - theHumm June 2021
By Sarah Kerr
This month’s Little Humm topic was an easy one after many weeks in lockdown with my family. We’ve all been feeling the need to tell each other to go jump in the lake this month — figuratively and literally! I don’t know if you’re in the same boat or if you need a dinghy at this point, but since we’re all enrolled in a provincial three-step program which involves nothing social until at least mid-month, I thought the best lifeline I can toss your way is to share a little backwoods tour of sw......
Lanark Prideis Now County-Wide! - theHumm June 2021
By Elizabeth Snyder
Pride in Lanark County this year looks entirely different from 2020. Last year, community organizers were still reeling from the pandemic and trying to maintain a small semblance of normalcy and ......
Apr 20 Perth Trashure Hunt Clean-up
Apr 20 Solitary Man
Apr 27 Festival of the Maples
Apr 27 The Moth Project
May 4 - 5 Spring Fine Art Show
May 4 Outskirts
May 5 Music at Mera: The Andrew Collins Trio
May 11 - 12 Art in the Attic
May 11 Engelbert Humperdinck & Tom Jones Tribute
May 16 MMLT Talk & AGM
- IS THIS A PROTEST?
- A Classic Whodunnit Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee at Studio Theatre
- Readers, Writers, and Poets
- Celebrate Indigenous Culture in CP
- Celebrate the ClassicsWith the Arnprior Choir
- 4F Auction Concoction Food, Fun, Fashion & Favourites
- Cheerfully Made Spring Market
- Electrify to Decarbonize Lanark
- Volunteer Forum
- Frankenstein Comes to The Station Theatre
