Truth & Reconciliation Event (London, ON)

“Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) Music and Artisan Festival is not just a celebration of our resilience, but a testament to the enduring Indigenous creativity in music, art, and culture. We invite you as our guest, to learn more about the important cause for the festival – and in doing so, never forget that #EveryChildMatters.
Join us as we come together to remember, heal, and celebrate our culture together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.”

~ Chief Joe Miskokomon, Chippewas Of The Thames F.N.

Join us Sept. 29 & 30 indoors at the Western F air District Agriplex (845 Florence St., London, ON) for a huge gathering of Indigenous artists, makers and organizations, as we remember all our relations for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) addresses the cultural genocide which diminished our traditional and cultural ways of living, with a promise to never forget what happened in the residential school system.

Deskan Ziibiing (Chippewas Of The Thames F.N.), Atlosha Family Healing Services, Music Tourism and the Western Fair District have collaborated to bring this exceptional event together, with crafts, food, music, informative & educational booths – with proceeds going toward preservation of the remaining structure of the Mount Elgin Indian Industrial School barn, where children inscribed messages on the walls and foundation, to create a Mount Elgin Museum and Interpretive Centre.

Admission to the marketplace is free to the public both days, please remember to bring cash as many vendors do not have other options (Kinnikinnick Trading accepts cash, credit card, debit card & eTransfer).

Fri. September 29, 2023 – 4 pm to 9 pm: Vendor Market (Free Entry)
Sat. September 30, 2023 – 10 am to 7 pm: Vendor Market (Free Entry)
Sat. September 30, 2023 – Noon to 3:30 pm: Cultural Learnings: Free programs + activities, come learn about truth and reconciliation!

Saturday night (Sept. 30) features a truly “indomitable” night of music for the whole family, with award winning Indigenous artists from 3 territories!
Doors open at 5:00 pm, show is from 6:00 – 11:00pm. Tickets (for this event only) are $30 and support the preservation fund for the Mount Elgin Indian Industrial School barn.