Tipi-raising event held near Gowanstown
HURON-PERTH—Kaswentha/Two Row Now, a group of Indigenous and local allies who have been gathering information and creating events designed to address Truth and Reconciliation in the Huron-Perth areas, has reached a significant milestone.
The Tipi of Huron-Perth is an exciting addition to the group’s ongoing efforts to provide culturally safe space for Indigenous people in the area to learn and participate in activities in their own backyard and begin (or continue) their healing journeys.
The Huron-Perth Tipi, raised on April 20 on land donated by Guy Bertrand in Gowanstown, is set to become a hub of community activities. From healing ceremonies to community events, the Tipi will offer a range of opportunities for the community to come together, learn, and heal.
Local Indigenous knowledge keeper Christin Dennis has been an inspiring force for the project. His dedication and contribution, including the recent construction of a sweat lodge on the property, where he conducts ceremonies for local Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, is a testament to his commitment to the culturally rich history and ongoing Truth and Reconciliation activities in the area.
Additionally, Dennis supports his fellow Sixties Scoop Survivors, providing space to heal together from the trauma that many survived.
The Tipi-raising event was a demonstration of the unity and shared purpose of the community, with approximately 100 people from all over Ontario coming together to raise the large 30-foot tipi. Under the guidance of Timmins Tipi manufacturers Sewn Home: owner David Lundberg and Chief Operating Officer Bee Pinto, the community worked in harmony to bring this significant structure to life.
Destiny Moser, owner of Cedar Spoon Indigenous Catering in Kitchener, catered a special lunch for the attendees, including traditional dishes with the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash), bison, duck, and wild rice.
“Established in 2022, Cedar Spoon is an Indigenous Catering Company aimed at bringing awareness to authentic Indigenous cuisine, while honouring Canada’s roots from a food perspective,” the catering website information says.
Kaswentha/Two Row Now is planning an open house event; a date will be announced soon.
The organizers thank their generous sponsors for this event: Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, North Perth Family Health Team and the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society.
Cory Bilyea, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Wingham Advance Times
