A performance — in remembrance of the Indigenous children who never returned home from residential schools across Canada — will be held at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on May 24.

Debwewin — Truth of the Land will feature a poetry reading by Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) Gimaa Stacey Laforme and three student Ally Poetry Contest winners.

Guest performers include Susan Aglukark, Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers), Manitou Mkwa Singers and Mark LaForme Band.

There will also be an Arthouse children’s performance of One Drum.

The event, presented by the town in partnership with MCFN and the Oakville Community Foundation (OCF), is in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and part of the town’s continuous efforts to honour Indigenous culture and history.

“I encourage residents to take the opportunity to learn more about the Indigenous roots of Oakville and consider ways we can all work together to support an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

Laforme said the performance will honour and share Indigenous history.

“I believe the arts are not simply beautiful and entertaining, they are the ultimate in communication and allow for a deeper connection and understanding,” said Laforme.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. May 24 performance are now on sale.

For more information, visit https://www.oakvillecentre.ca/debwewin-truth-of-the-land.html.

View original article on Inside Halton.