Pickering Animal Services has partnered with the Pickering Public Library and Carea Community Health Centre to educate the public on the interconnected relationship between animals and Indigenous peoples.
Angela Duckworth will share Anishinaabe stories of how Turtle Island came to be and talk about some of the animals that share the land. After the storytelling, children will have the opportunity to make a fun animal-related craft, said a statement.
Drop-in sessions will take place every Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm, and will be hosted at a different park each week. Open to all ages, these sessions are free to attend.
- August 4th – Progress Frenchman’s Bay East Park
- August 11th – Alex Robertson Park
- August 18th – Claremont Community Centre
- August 25th – Princess Diana Park
Attendees should dress for the weather and bring a blanket and/or chair to sit on.
“Connecting with the community is one of the best ways to make a change,” said Lindsey Narraway, Supervisor, Animal Services. “We are proud to offer this meaningful program, and to educate children on the many wildlife species that call Pickering home. Indigenous stories often have a deep connection to animals, which is why this storytelling is the perfect way to educate the public on both native species and their spiritual pasts. Children are the future, and together, we can ensure they have love and empathy for all.”
The city said it is committed to advancing reconciliation with diverse Indigenous communities and these sessions are a creative, but necessary way, to help broaden the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in the community.
Visit pickering.ca/animals and look under Activities, Programs and Events for more information on this initiative.