Sharing Cultures VISITING FIRST NATION – Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

Toronto, March 28, 2018 – On Friday, March 30th and Saturday, March 31st, 2018, over one hundred Tamil Canadians will travel to Belleville to visit the traditional lands and territories of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, and to participate in a cultural exchange with members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk community.

Organized by the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) in partnership with the Centre For Leadership and Innovation (CFLI), this event was conceptualized in recognition of the historic place and historic oppression of indigenous peoples, lands and stories in Canada. In light of the lack of education on this topic in the wider Canadian community, and within the Tamil community who have set roots in Canada within the past thirty years, the CTC wanted to organize an event which would be educational for its participants, and which aims to combat stereotyping and promote understanding.

Attendees will participate in an exchange of language, food, music, dance and history. The first day will be a showcase of Mohawk language, games, crafts and drumming and dancing. The second day will be a showcase of Tamil dances, Tamil instruments, drumming, crafts, and games. The traditional foods of both communities will be served to participants. Please see attachment for detail agenda.

The CTC hopes that this event will act as a small step towards reconciliation of the Tamil community with Canada’s indigenous peoples, and thanks to the Tyendinaga Mohawk Community, who have graciously invited Tamil Canadians into their traditional lands, for agreeing to participate in this exchange.

For more information, please contact Canadian Tamil Congress: 416-240-0078 / info@canadiantamilcongress.ca