In response to the vandalism of the Nogojiwanong Project panels in Millennium Park, the City of Peterborough will hold two Healing Circles, offering space for reflection and support.
Graffiti was reported on the commemorative panels on June 3rd. The panels mark the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20 and honour Indigenous history in the region.
A virtual Healing Circle will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on June 17th, with advance registration required by June 16th via the City’s website. An in-person Healing Circle will follow from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the site in Millennium Park. Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chair.
“These gatherings are a way for community members—especially Indigenous residents and allies—to come together and begin healing after this hurtful act,” said the City in a statement.
Support resources are being shared widely, including Talk 4 Healing (1-855-554-4325), Hope for Wellness (1-855-242-3310), Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868), and CMHA’s provincial mental health directory.
The incident comes as the city prepares for Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. A full list of activities is available at peterborough.ca/NIHM.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
