Third Annual Aboriginal Lecture Series Thursday, May 21

** Third Annual Aboriginal Lecture Series ** ** ** ** Thursday, May 21, 2015 ** ** 6:00 p.m. ** **

** ** Rideau ** ** ** ** High School ** ** 815 St Laurent Blvd ** It is written that coming together is a beginning and working together is success. Pleasant Park Public School students and Algonquin Elder, artist, and poet Albert Dumont have spent months creating four art murals that will be mounted on the outside of the school. The murals will showcase Canada’s four seasons and honour the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and survivors of residential schools.

As part of this project, a community lecture will be held at Rideau High School on May 21

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at 6:00 p.m.  The lecture is part of a larger initiative called Mamawi Together Project which is a series of educational awareness activities for children and adults to celebrate Aboriginal culture and contributions.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Marie Wilson, Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  The TRC was formed as there is an emerging and compelling desire to put the events of the past behind us so that we can work towards a stronger and healthier future. The goal is renewed relationships that are based on mutual understanding and respect.

Pleasant Park Public School Principal, Guido Ronci says, “Students and staff are learning first-hand important teachings about Canada’s seasons, Indigenous culture, history and traditions through Elder Dumont’s wonderful stories, poetry and artwork. Together we have designed and created beautiful art work which our school and community will enjoy for years to come.”

Màmawi is the Algonquin word for ** _ together _ ** . For more information please take a look at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js3GG9Z1ArY The murals are symbolic of what we can accomplish when we work together and are a backdrop for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report which will be discussed at the May 21

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community lecture. This initiative is led by the parents and teachers of Pleasant Park Public School. ** What: Third Annual Aboriginal Lecture Series ** ** When: Thursday, May 21st ** **

6:00 p.m.

** ** ** ** Where: Rideau High School ** ** 815 St Laurent Blvd **