The Cultural Roundtables of Wellington North, Minto and Hanover are inviting residents to attend a cultural symposium in Arthur, with a focus on First Nations culture.
The event will be held Friday, April 24 at the Arthur and Area Community Centre. This will be the third cultural symposium following events in Hanover and Harriston in 2023 and 2024.
It will be open to neighbouring municipalities, chambers of commerce, BIAs, businesses and cultural organizations, and other parties interested in attending.
Running from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the event will have a keynote speaker, lunch, updates from the cultural roundtables on current initiatives, and much more.
Robyn Mulder, Economic Development Officer for Wellington North, says the symposium will feature cultural awareness training by the keynote speaker The Moccasin Identifier.
"This workshop provides participants with a foundational understanding of First Nations culture, history, Treaty relationships, and shared responsibilities to each other and the land. It includes engaging activities, a participant training guide, and a certificate of completion. It is offered for 1–1.5 hours," Mulder explained. "The workshop emphasizes non-judgmental, meaningful dialogue and aims to create a safe space for questions. Each concludes with a moccasin stenciling activity, allowing participants to ground their Treaty learning by recognizing whose land they are on. All supplies for this activity are included."
Mulder adds that the continuation of the symposium is important for many reasons, but in particular it's important for everyone to continue learning about what is relevant culturally in local communities.
"The Cultural Roundtables of Hanover, Minto and Wellington North come together every Fall to talk about culture in our communities and ask attendees what they would like to learn about at the Spring Symposium. Participants from last years symposium Fall meeting asked for more information and a greater understanding of First Nations Culture," she added. "The other speaker is Debby Keown from KMI Consulting. Debby and Kris help businesses make their mark. From brand glow-ups and marketing strategy to business development and event experiences Symposium attendees have also asked for ideas, new ways and inspirations on how to engage new audiences."
Tickets for the Cultural Symposium cost $30 plus applicable fees, and are available online at https://2026CulturalSymposium.eventbrite.com.
