The New Canadians Centre Peterborough (NCC) is changing the event they have historically held on Canada Day in favour of an Indigenous educational event.

In previous years, the NCC has held "Multicultural Canada Day" on July 1,  which, according to an NCC media release, was one of "region’s largest annual events," This year, the NCC will be holding an event called "Lessons from the Land" in its place - a day of learning and reflection with Indigenous-focused events.

“After reflecting on the importance of the work of truth and reconciliation, we thought it would be a different, and a more honest, approach to give some priority to the Indigenous people of this land,” said Mauricio Interiano, Community Engagement Officer for the NCC.

Interiano, originally moving to Canada from Honduras at sixteen years old, said he did not receive an appropriate education on the Indigenous peoples’ cultures and history for years. He feels that all newcomers should learn the "truth" about the country they are living in.

‘Lessons from the Land’ is not an event “against” Canada Day, Interiano said, but that it is actually “putting light on, or enhancing something else.”

"We've done Multiculturalism Day, we’ve done Canada Day, and it’s time to do something else that may be more beneficial - more of a learning opportunity," says Interiano.

The "Lessons from the Land" event will be held at Beavermead park from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 1. There will be a full schedule of events that celebrate Indigenous people and their culture, including guided medicine walks, dance and drum circles, a beading circle, a catered lunch, and more. To find out more about NCC’s "Lessons from the Land," visit the website.

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