DUNNVILLE—A local Indiginous educator is hoping more people can learn about the land Dunnvillle sits on during an Orange Shirt Day event.
Orange Shirt Day, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, was observed for the first time nationally in 2021. Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 as a way to promote education and awareness of the residential school system.
Jodi Vander Heide-Buswa, a member of the Seneca Deer Clan and a Dunnville resident, is hosting the event, which will be held on September 30, 2024 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Dunnville Farmers’ Market.
Vander Heide-Buswa told The Haldimand Press that as an Indigenous educator, she has been designing orange shirts for Every Child Matters for several years. However, she wanted to bring more Indigenous programs to the Dunnville area.
Vander Heide-Buswa partnered with Niwisa Kendaaswin Teg, a “multi-service Indigenous organization based in Hamilton” that began as the Aboriginal Head Start Initiative.
“They offer programs and services all across the lifespan,” said Vander Heide-Buswa.
Vander Heide-Buswa said Niwasa offers “a lot of cultural knowledge,” noting she herself learned many things from the programs they offer.
She said that on September 30 people can expect to “get a taste of the culture.”
“There’s going to be a drum beating demonstration and dancing. There will be speaking and sharing, there will be crafts and colouring pages and food,” she said.
Another important aspect, she added, would be a survey to gather more information on the types of Indigenous programs and educations that are most needed in the area.
“Because we want to bring Indigenous programming to the area, we need to know the needs for the area,” said Vander Heide-Buswa. “Definitely come out and share your opinion.”
For Vander Heide-Buswa, it is important for people to attend the event to learn more about the land that Dunnville sits on, noting it is part of the Haldimand Tract.
“From my perspective, I think it’s a really great way to locally recognize what orange shirts mean and to learn more about the culture,” she said. “It’s going to be a good event.”
“I am excited for the things that will come out of this event,” concluded Vander Heide-Buswa.
