Free event on June 14 at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre will feature Indigenous speakers, artists and drummers
Township of King, Ont. (June 2, 2025) — Recognize the diverse histories, heritage and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada during a special celebration marking the official opening of the Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Mural and Indigenous Medicine Garden at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre. The free event takes place on Saturday, Jun. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will honour Indigenous culture, healing and community through medicine, art and shared experience.
The event is being held as part of National Indigenous History Month. Observed each June, it is a time to reflect on the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, while also acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the importance of reconciliation. Through cultural events, educational programming and community gatherings, National Indigenous History Month encourages all Canadians to deepen their understanding, foster meaningful relationships and support the revitalization of Indigenous languages, traditions and knowledge systems.
Guests at the June 14 mural and garden unveiling will enjoy a cultural celebration featuring Drummer Rollin Baldhead, along with inspiring words from medicine women Tanya Gluvakov and Asha Frost. Mural artist Shawn Howe will be present to share insights into the creative process behind the mural. Attendees are invited to contribute to the Indigenous Medicine Garden by planting soil and designing their own garden stones, which will become part of the living installation. The event also features the Butterfly "Memengwaa" Trail Marker by artist Donald Chretien of Nipissing First Nation, now proudly installed at what will be the heart of the new Indigenous Medicine Garden.
In advance of the June 14 event, the planting of Kahéhta, the accessible Indigenous Medicine Garden, took place on May 28. Gluvakov, with the assistance of King Township Community Services staff, spent the morning planting various plants and medicines in a circular layout that symbolizes the interconnectedness of all people, Nations and life on Mother Earth, while highlighting the resurgence of Indigenous language, knowledge and medicines tied to the Land.
Admission is free and food and refreshments will be provided. This is an outdoor event and will proceed rain or shine. Pre-registration is encouraged and available online or via email to kingmuseum@king.ca. Drop-ins are welcome.
Indigenous Medicines Walk & Talk
As part of National Indigenous History Month, King Township is also hosting a unique cultural and educational experience at Cold Creek Conservation Area on Friday, Jun. 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Indigenous Medicines Walk & Talk and Oil Infusion Workshop, led by Gluvakov, offers participants the opportunity to learn about honourable and sustainable wild harvesting practices through a guided hike. Attendees will explore how to identify medicinal plants, build reciprocal relationships with the land and connect with nature in meaningful ways. Following the hike, participants will create oil infusions using pre-harvested, dried local medicines and take part in a talking circle and mindfulness exercises.
This outdoor program is open to individuals aged six and up and is designed for adults, seniors and families. Pre-registration is required, with a fee of $30 plus HST for residents and $33 plus HST for non-residents.
For more information or to register, visit kingheritageandculture.ca.
About Truth and Reconciliation
Truth and Reconciliation is a national movement that seeks to acknowledge the historical and ongoing impacts of residential schools and colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It calls on all Canadians to engage in meaningful actions that support healing, justice and the restoration of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada issued 94 Calls to Action in 2015, urging governments, institutions and individuals to advance reconciliation through education, cultural revitalization and community engagement. Projects like the Indigenous Mural and Medicine Garden are tangible steps toward honouring Indigenous voices, traditions and contributions, while fostering a shared path forward.
King Township 175th Anniversary Events
The June 14 event is one of a series of free events in 2025 dedicated to celebrating King Township’s 175th anniversary, made possible with funding from the Government of Canada’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. Save the date for:
- Canada Day Celebration at Memorial Park in King City on Tuesday, Jul. 1 from 5 p.m. to dusk.
- Raspberry Social at King Heritage and Cultural Centre on Saturday, Aug. 9.
More information about these events will be shared as they become available. For regular updates, visit king.ca/175.
Quote
Mayor Steve Pellegrini
“The unveiling of the Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Mural and Medicine Garden is a deeply meaningful milestone for King Township. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to honouring the voices, histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples and to creating spaces that foster learning, healing and connection. As we mark National Indigenous History Month, we are proud to stand alongside our partners and community members in recognizing the importance of truth, reconciliation and respectful relationships.”
To receive updates on King Township news, follow the official corporate social media channels on X and Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to the King Bulletin enewsletter or visit king.ca.
-30-
Media Contact
Township of King
Jason Ballantyne, Communications Officer
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca
