There is a special kind of magic that settles over Almonte when autumn hits — the mornings crisp up, the mist stretches out on the river, and delicious colours frame the historic streets. Instinctually we want to reconnect with people we know and people we’d like to know. Well the timing couldn’t be better: Reconciliation Through Art is returning to Almonte for its third year, bigger and more welcoming than ever!
Reconciliation Through Art has expanded across Truth and Reconciliation Week to include a September 27 activity and a chock-full weekend on October 2, 3 and 4. Under the inspiring leadership of Almonte Métis Elder, The Honourable Tony Belcourt, a dedicated team of mostly local volunteers invite neighbours, families, and visitors of all ages to share in the rich art, music, food, culture, and history of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Whether you’re tapping your toes, learning a new craft, or listening to powerful stories, here is what’s waiting for you right in our own backyard:
Kick Off with Food and Dance:
An Old-Fashioned Métis Kitchen Party!
The excitement starts on Sunday, September 27 at the Almonte Old Town Hall (2:30–4:30pm). Bring the whole family down for a lively session in traditional Métis dancing (often called “jigging”) led by Riley McKenzie from the acclaimed Métis dance troupe Prairie Fire. It’s a fun, lighthearted way for folks of all skill levels to laugh and move and start the celebration together.
Then on Friday, October 2, get ready for an unforgettable evening as the North Lanark Agricultural Hall opens its doors from 5:30–11pm for a Traditional Métis Kitchen Party.
Nothing brings people together like a shared meal and good music. As dinner is served, guests will feast on a delicious spread of boulettes y bang (meatball stew and bannock), salad, and famous Bear Paws from the Frybread Queen, all while enjoying the music of JUNO-nominated Amanda Rheaume and the Mâmawin’towin Band. You’ll even get the chance to watch or try Amanda’s trending line dance to her recent hit Come on Down to Flossies!
After dinner, the hall will come alive as the Edmonton Traditional Métis Dancers take the stage for an incredible jigging demonstration, accompanied by the old-time Manitoba fiddling duo of Jason Lepine and Lionel Desjarlais. Dance the rest of the evening away using any steps that move you! It promises to be an unforgettable evening of warm community fellowship. Please note that this dinner & dance is the only ticketed event of the weekend, and space is limited. Visit TicketsPlease.ca and get your tickets soon!
Art, Hands-On Crafting, & Storytelling
On Saturday, October 3 (10am–5pm), head over to the historic Mississippi Valley Textile Museum on Rosamond Street for the Indigenous Art & Artisan Showcase. Over two dozen notable Indigenous artists will be showcasing and selling their work, offering a wonderful opportunity to chat, learn the techniques behind their creations, and bring home something truly special. The Frybread Queen will also be open all day to keep everyone happily fed!
For those eager to try their hand at traditional crafts, Knowledge Keeper Patsea Griffin will lead brand-new workshops on Indigenous beadwork in the morning and crafting your own porcupine quill earrings in the afternoon. Register at TicketsPlease.ca to attend a workshop and drop-in when you can.
Reflection, Community, Shared Truths
Sunday, October 4 begins at 8am with a quiet, powerful moment of reflection. The ceremonial Water Walk starts at the Almonte Old Town Hall and winds its way along the river to Metcalfe Geoheritage Park. At the water’s edge, elders will lead a ceremonial Offering to the Water.
Beginning at 10am, back at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, Reconciliation Through Art will host an inspiring day of Indigenous history and culture (running until 3pm). The lineup features traditional drumming, jingle dress dancing, and presentations journeying through the history of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and the Métis Nation of Ontario. Most importantly, it offers a respectful space to listen to and learn from Residential School and Sixties Scoop survivors. Register to attend each/all Teachings at TicketsPlease.ca.
To wrap up the gathering, there will be a special screening and talkback from 3–4:30pm featuring The Apology: A Search for Justice. Matt LeMay, acclaimed Métis filmmaker and CEO of Indigenous Geographic, will be on hand to discuss the film, whose crew was granted exclusive access to the historic delegation to Pope Francis. Register to the Screening and Talkback at TicketsPlease.ca.
How to Join In
With the exception of the Friday night Métis Kitchen Party dinner and dance, all events are free to attend, and all are warmly open to the public. Donations are appreciated but not expected.
Because space is limited for the film screening, workshops and teachings, pre-registration is required. You can secure your spot by visiting TicketsPlease.ca. Artist, presenter and event details can be found at ReconciliationThroughArt.ca.
Bring your family and join your neighbours for a weekend of fun: art, food, dance, learning, and meaningful connection at Reconciliation Through Art — right here in Almonte.
