Organizers hope to rebuild relationships within Perth and Huron counties by holding an Indigenous feast.
Called the Stratford Community Feast, it’s an event where 100 guests get to eat traditional indigenous food prepped by an Indigenous chef on the grounds of the Falstaff Family Centre.
Organized by the Centre, Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society, Tall Tree Mediation and Consulting, and the Avon Maitland District School Board, the goal is to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people living in both areas.
Tall Tree’s Original Dispute Resolution Circle Provider Wendy Stewart said in their culture, there’s many reasons to have a feast.
“This one is to rebuild the village because there is no village at this point,” said Stewart.
“Right now, we have very few resources.”
Children’s Aid Society Executive Director Kristian Wilson said the feast ” represents more than a meal—it’s a step toward healing, connection, and community.”
The Centre said this feast comes as a classroom space is being built for Indigenous people called First Nation, Inuit and Métis Gathering Place.
Once the place is built, it’ll be used to help Indigenous people come forward with their identity, with the room design to reflect their culture.
Half of the guests have been formally invited, with the remaining spots open for the public to register.
The feast runs September 13 from 3 to 8 p.m.
