Collingwood, ON [10 June 2024] – June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada and on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day is honoured. Throughout June explore the different opportunities available in Collingwood to celebrate and recognize the distinct heritage, cultures, customs, languages, and traditions of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have lived on and cared for this land since time immemorial.
Throughout June, the Town of Collingwood is supporting several initiatives in collaboration with the community including:
Shipyards Amphitheatre Concert with Twin Flames and the J.D. Crosstown Quartet
Friday, June 21, 6:00 p.m., Collingwood Shipyards Amphitheatre
Four-time Canadian Folk Music Award recipient and 2022 Vocal Group of the Year, concert headliner Twin Flames builds bridges across cultures, continents, and styles, and has been celebrated internationally. Twin Flames’ unique style and sound make it difficult to narrow their work to a single genre as they craft enticing musical arrangements, standout harmonies, and beautiful rhythmic patterns while sharing a genuine love for songwriting that stands out lyrically and melodically for the world to hear. 
From the beginning, this husband-and-wife duo have chosen to let their music speak for itself while displaying pride in their heritage through a mix of songs and languages.
Show opener, J.D. Crosstown is a Canadian Folk Singer whose passion is telling stories with his own words; Stories that capture the poignancy of a time and a place, heartbreak, loss, hope, love, adventure, and friendship.
Heavily inspired by the stories embedded in traditional folk, country, and blues songs, J.D. Crosstown has developed his unique style that reflects all these genres. From country waltzes to finger-style blues, J.D. always keeps people guessing what he’ll play next.
Having many hopes and aspirations, J.D.’s main concern is that his songs provide people with a place to lean back and focus for a moment or two.
Community Celebration at the Awen’ Gathering Place
Saturday, June 22, 9:30 a.m., Awen’ Gathering Place
Enjoy a morning of music with Anishinabe Kwe singer/songwriter Lisa Marie Naponse and Inuk throat singers Janice and Evelyn Oolayou at the Awen’ Gathering Circle organized by Muckpaloo Ipeelie. Explore the Indigenous vendor market and games with Metis Jennifer McFarlane. Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples at the Awen Gathering Circle.
Visit the Collingwood Public Library and explore books by Indigenous authors sharing stories of history, culture, and resilience. Discover the films of Alanis Obomsawin, showing June 12 & 26 as well as documentaries, and music by Indigenous artists. Listen to a podcast that shares an Indigenous perspective, and join Muckplaoo Ipeelie of Urban Inuit Identity Project for a Block Printing Workshop on June 19. Support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses. Learn more about the land you are on and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
For more information visit the Awen’ Gathering Place webpage.
Collingwood resides within the Territory of Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which includes Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation and is home to many Indigenous peoples including Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe.
