This year Mississippi Mills All My Relations, Ginawaydaganuc Village and Mississippi Mills partnered to offer this event to the community in celebration of National Indigenous People’s Day.  We provided a combination of experiential activities for adults and children along with some storytelling, music and teachings. Comments from participants in response to our evaluation questionnaire included the following:

• The craft tables and vendors are always a highlight. The knowledge sharing space by the fire was fantastic – a very open way to ask questions and learn about Indigenous culture
• I think the paddle perhaps was my highlight, as well as Chuck Commanda telling us about the birch canoe as well as the interactive Pow Wow dance experience
• For me, there were several highlights. All were related to making personal contact. Even with people I had invited but could not come.  It felt like we were building a web with every person being a node with connections to many more people.
• Reconnecting with community members and connecting with others for the first time. Also, all the performers were amazing. 
• The layout of the event was better – it was nice to have everything closer together. The food was tasty, and there was a good offering. It was great to see Indigenous organizations and businesses. 
• The handouts with respect to the Indigenous plants, Joe Baye and others having lived in the area were great.
• I feel that the event was very personal. In meaning that there were enough people to interact with and it wasn’t overwhelming. It felt like community and the people were very nice.
• There was something for everyone.  The BBQ and strawberry desserts felt homey.
• It’s an important opportunity to respectfully build relationship with our local Indigenous neighbours!   It’s a significant opportunity for Mississippi Mills as a community, to ‘show up’ and opens up conversations!!   And of course it provides learning opportunities.