MANITOU BEACH 鈥� Manitou Beach is celebrating its 100th incorporation this year and one of the focuses is on reconciliation with First Nations.
On May 4, the Wisdom Weekend sub-committee of the Manitou Beach Centennial committee will host presentations and workshops about the importance of Little Manitou Lake, the history of the community, traditional wisdom and multicultural knowledge.
The Wisdom Weekend is one of several centennial events throughout 2019 which the committee says 鈥渁cknowledge the centennial of the incorporation of the Village of Manitou Beach鈥�.
Sarah McKen with the subcommittee hopes this is an opportunity to learn about different cultures.
鈥淭he starting point is that the lake was a sacred site, or is a sacred site for First Nations people,鈥� McKen said. 鈥淟ong before European settlement in this area, it was an area First Nations people would make a pilgrimage, often in the spring and throughout the year.鈥�
She added that it was a peaceful area.
鈥淧eople of different tribes were able to share this space. So now with a European settlement it鈥檚 time for us to figure out good ways to share this space.鈥�
McKen said the committee is working closely with the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council.
鈥淭hey鈥檝e been very open to learning, sharing with each other. So this is one of the ways we can continue working together.鈥�
On May 3 they鈥檙e holding workshops exclusive to grade school students from 聽Grade 5 to 7.
The events take place at the Manitou Beach Community Hall, starting at 9 am. The event is open to the public.
鈥淭hose people who are sharing their stories are really taking a risk and putting themselves out there, so it鈥檚 nice to come and give that moment of attention and recognition of their contribution.鈥�
