WIIKWEMKOONG—Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is marking Every Child Matters Week with a number of events.
Starting on Monday, September 23 there will also be a community art show with the ‘Every Child Matters’ theme featuring the work of Wiikwemkoong artists at the arena from 9 am to 3 pm.
On Wednesday, September 25, families are encouraged to decorate their strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and walkers (no bicycles or motorized vehicles, please) for a family lights parade at 7:30 pm at Thunderbird Park. Please meet at the horse pull arena.
On Friday, September 27 there is an Every Child Matters Dance with music by DJ Claw from 7 to 9 pm at the Wikwemikong Arena.
On Saturday, September 28 there is an Every Child Matters mini powwow at Thunderbird Park from 1 to 4 pm. Grand entry is 1 pm. There will be food and craft vendors, a craft workshop, corn soup demonstration and a community feast. Please wear your orange shirts.
The following day, Sunday, September 29, there will be a 5K Fun Run and a 2K walk starting at 10:15 at the Wikwemikong Health Centre. Head to Thunderbird Park after your walk or run for an hour of old time games from 1 to 2 pm. No prizes, no awards, just fun!
On Sunday, September 29 there will be a “Light Up the Night Kayak Paddle” at 7 pm at the Wikwemikong Bay Marina. This event is part of a national movement to honour the Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools, to remember those who never made it home, and to support survivors, their families and communities still healing from this painful legacy.
Bring your own kayak, paddle board, or canoe and decorate it with lights, glow sticks, and other luminous decorations to light up the water in a stunning show of remembrance and unity. Safety is a top priority, so life jackets are mandatory for all participants. All are welcome to join in this beautiful and meaningful evening.
In addition to lighting up the night, attendees are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal or doll as a donation. These donations will be given to the children of Wiikwemkoong during the community walk on Monday, September 30 as a symbol of love, care, and support. Your contribution helps ensure that the children of today know they are cherished, valued and matter.
On Monday, September 30 jingle dress dancers are invited to the Holy Cross Mission and Ruins for a ceremony and jingle dress healing dance at 11 am followed by a residential school memorial statue project launch at 11:30 am. There will also be mini tikinagan making and orange shirt pin workshops at Thunderbird park from 1 to 3 pm.
Every Child Matters Week is a time for reflection, education and community-building. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work toward truth and reconciliation and the importance of acknowledging the impact of the residential school system on Indigenous communities.
