The Guild Of Indigenous Arts

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Events include a community conversation on "Pretendianism and Fraud" with COTTFN citizen & University of Windsor curriculum designer Jaime Kechego and Donna Grayer, moderated by Julie Rae Tucker.
The conversation will begin at 5:30

06/17/2026

Not only Indigenous people were targeted.

From: The Gazette
"Investigators are examining claims that Black people and individuals of Arab origin were disproportionately targeted in the district’s diverse neighbourhoods. Some officers are alleged to have made racist remarks, according to witness testimony gathered during the probe."

“By the way, Montreal police were just found to have been keeping Indigenous hair as trophies. Because that’s the reality of being Indigenous in Canada.”

That is the post going around. The language is blunt. The allegation underneath it is worse.

A Montreal news report says police are facing a major racism probe after officers allegedly kept Indigenous hair as trophies. Fourteen officers are reportedly under scrutiny. Two have been suspended.

Sit with that for a second.

This is not a minor workplace complaint. This is not a bad joke in a group chat. If the allegation is proven, it points to something much deeper: officers treating Indigenous people not as citizens with rights, but as objects in a colonial performance.

Hair has meaning. In many Indigenous cultures, it is tied to identity, family, grief, ceremony, dignity, and connection. That is why this allegation lands with such force. It is not just about evidence in a locker or misconduct in a station. It is about humiliation. It is about power. It is about a state institution touching the oldest wounds in the country and acting surprised when people bleed.

Montreal police leadership will now say the right things. They will talk about process. They will talk about integrity. They will talk about restoring trust.

Fine. Start there.

But trust is not restored by a press conference. It is restored by names, timelines, independent oversight, public findings, discipline that actually means something, and criminal charges if the facts support them.

Canada has spent decades promising reconciliation while Indigenous people keep being asked to prove the obvious: that the systems built around them still carry old contempt in modern uniforms.

That is the part we cannot keep sanding down.

If 14 officers are under scrutiny, the public deserves to know how this went undetected. If two were suspended, the public deserves to know why only two. If supervisors knew, the public deserves to know when. If they did not know, the public deserves to know why the internal culture made that possible.

This is not “one bad apple” territory anymore

06/16/2026

For many Indigenous students, graduation is more than a personal achievement. It is a moment that honors family, community, culture, and the generations who helped make that success possible. Wisconsin has now taken an important step to protect that connection by officially allowing Indigenous students to wear traditional tribal regalia during graduation ceremonies and school-sponsored events. 🪶

Signed into law as Wisconsin Act 222, the legislation protects the right of eligible Indigenous students to wear culturally significant items such as beadwork, eagle feathers, moccasins, and tribal symbols. These items are far more than accessories. They often carry deep spiritual, cultural, and family meaning, representing identity, achievement, honor, and a lasting connection to Tribal Nations. Supporters say the law helps ensure students never have to choose between celebrating their education and expressing their culture.

Wisconsin joins a growing number of states recognizing the importance of protecting Indigenous traditions at graduation ceremonies. For many Native families, seeing students walk across the stage wearing tribal regalia is a powerful reminder that cultural identity and academic success belong together. It sends a message to future generations that they can pursue their goals while remaining proud of who they are and where they come from.

06/16/2026

Tuesday June 30, 2026 from 1:00PM-3:00PM Samantha Doxtator will be here at SOAHAC to share her knowledge on Haudenosaunee Star Teachings. No need to register. Seating is limited.

06/16/2026

🏆 ALL ONTARIO NATIVE FASTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026
📍 Hosted by Chippewa Chiefs Fastball Club
📅 August 21–23, 2026

📌 Location:
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

🥎 Diamond Locations:
J.D.T. Veterans Memorial Fields
10 Bear Creek Rd, Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0

Chippewa Ball Park
640 Jubilee Rd, Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0

Oneida Ball Park
2017 Ball Park Rd, Southwold, ON N0L 2G0

📄 Team Registration Package (Deadline: July 31, 2026):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KiWL7QzzE-A_p4OE0RnPke-v4qvaOZdO/view?usp=drivesdk

📨 Send all rosters & registrations to:
[email protected]

📞 Tournament Contacts:
Myles French — (519) 872-0936
Josh Elijah — (226) 237-4254

06/16/2026

Free copies of the Paswe’aatigook graduation programme are available at the Heritage Centre.

Drop in and pick one up!

06/16/2026

Apply Today! PASWE'AATIGOOK ANISHINAABEMOWIN LANGUAGE in partnership with FANSHAWE COLLEGE

Foundations Program https://www.fanshawec.ca/.../paf1-pasweaatigook.../next

Diploma Program https://www.fanshawec.ca/.../pai1-pasweaatigook.../next


Registration open
Funding available to COTTFN Members

Contact [email protected] for more information

06/16/2026

Indigenous Women’s Beading Circle is continuing with new summer dates ✨

This circle is a welcoming space for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people to gather, bead, share stories, and connect in community.

Whether you’re experienced with beading or just beginning, you’re invited to join us for an evening of creativity, conversation, and cultural connection. Supplies are available, or you’re welcome to bring your own project.

💛 Dates: June 18, July 2, July 16, and July 30
💛 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
💛 Location: 145 Beech Street, Strathroy, Ontario
💛 Light refreshments provided

Come as you are, bring a relative or friend, and spend the evening creating together.

Questions? Contact [email protected] or 519-246-1526 x 224

06/16/2026