Decolonizing Thanksgiving Dinner 2019: Potluck Feast and Raffle Fundraiser

Doors open: 4:30pm
Welcoming with the Women’s Drum Circle, Wiiji Numgumook Kwe: 5pm

Now in its 15th year, Decolonizing Thanksgiving Dinner is intended to be a part of a long-term cultural shift in our community by stimulating a broader conversation of decolonization in Guelph – both within ourselves and in all our relationships. It is organized by a collective of settlers as a place to share stories and build community, to educate ourselves, and to inspire action. Our intention is to create an annual local event that challenges the mainstream Canadian Thanksgiving and replaces it with something more meaningful.

This year’s speaker is Elwood Jimmy, co-author (with Vanessa Andreotti) of Towards Braiding. Elwood is a learner, collaborator, writer, artist, facilitator, cultural manager, and gardener. He is originally from the Thunderchild First Nation, a Nêhiyaw community in the global north. For close to 20 years, he has played a leadership role in several art projects, collectives, and organizations locally and abroad. In December 2015, he was hired as the program coordinator for Musagetes, and has also commissioned texts on social injustice for its online platform ArtsEverywhere.

Decolonizing Thanksgiving Dinner functions through volunteer effort in collaboration with the community. Admission is by donation, with proceeds beyond covering the cost of the event (venue and equipment rental, speaker honorarium) going to our fundraiser. We encourage those with economic privilege to donate generously.

Potluck dinner: The majority of food at the dinner comes from community members. We encourage all who attend to bring a potluck dish to share, with a serving utensil and ingredient list.

Access: The GYMC has an elevator to the second floor. Seating is often tight. if you have mobility or seating needs, please get in touch ahead of time or notify a greeter at the event and we will find you a suitable seat.

Kids: This a family-friendly event, with free children’s programming generously donated by The Guelph Outdoor School. No need to register in advance.

Raffle: Tickets will be on sale throughout the event with the draw at the end. If you would like to donate an item for the raffle, please get in touch. The fundraiser benefits a local, grassroots Indigenous initiative (this year’s fundraiser recipient is yet to be determined!).