Special guests include Susan Aglukark, Kevin Hearn from the Barenaked Ladies, Josh Finlayson from the Skydiggers and more

Tickets for Debwewin – Truth of the Land at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA) on May 24 at 7 p.m. are on sale now!

Residents are invited to watch Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) Gimaa Stacey Laforme and special guests perform in remembrance of the Indigenous children who never returned home to their families from residential schools across Canada. 

Guest performers include Susan Aglukark, Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers), Manitou Mkwa Singers, Mark LaForme Band, Gimaa Laforme reading poetry with three student Ally Poetry Contest winners (through the Oakville Community Foundation) and Arthouse’s 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. Oakville, as we know it today, is rich in the history and modern traditions of many First Nations and the Métis. From the lands of the Anishinabe to the Attawandaron, the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in Indigenous history. We acknowledge and thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation for being stewards of this traditional territory.

The town remains committed to Truth and Reconciliation work, including providing residents with the opportunity to learn about, and support, Indigenous communities. Details will be shared in May on additional ways residents can recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and National Indigenous History Month in June. For updates, visit the Indigenous Culture and Community page.

For tickets and more details, visit the OCPA page.

Quotes

“Debwewin – Truth of the Land is a special performance that honours Indigenous children who never returned home to their families from residential schools across Canada. 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.” 

Mayor Rob Burton

“The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) are proud to have worked with the Oakville Community Foundation for a number of years to move forward on the Calls to Action in Oakville, and we are proud to present Debwewin – Truth of the Land. This performance will honour and share Indigenous history, as I believe the arts are not simply beautiful and entertaining, they are the ultimate in communication and allow for a deeper connection and understanding.”

Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Gimaa Stacey Laforme