Peel’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue with PAMA event next week

September 5, 2024 · 0 Comments

Culture Days event set for September 28

By Brock Weir

The Region of Peel is marking its 50th anniversary this year and celebrations are set to continue next week at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum & Archives (PAMA).

On Thursday, September 12, the Archives will throw open its doors from 6.30 – 8.30 p.m. with Treasures from the Vaults.

“It’s Peel Region’s 50th anniversary – but did you know there is a much older story to the Region?” say event organizers. “Discover the story of Peel and its predecessor, County of Peel – created more than 170 years ago! Join Regional Archivist Kyle Neill and explore a range of rarely-seen treasures found in Peel’s archival vaults, each shedding a light on the important work of the County as well as the early days of its regional successor.”

While this event is free to members of the public, admission to PAMA itself is required.

The Treasures from the Vaults event is the start of a busy fall season for PAMA, with a full roster of activities and workshops planned, including a range of initiatives to mark Culture Days, an Ontario-wide initiative.

On September 14, from 1 – 3 p.m., PAMA will host Sofia Mian in a Henna Workshop.

“Discover the beauty and history of henna design and application,” says PAMA. “Get hands-on experience as you explore beginner henna techniques and tips, practice applying a design, and leave with a sample henna application the professional henna artist. Continue the celebration through exploring Banquets and Belonging and explore moments of celebration and joy across different cultures in the GTA.”

Running through February 2, Banquets and Belonging, curated by Sneha Mandhan, celebrates gatherings that are so important to immigrant cultures in the GTA, and encourages members of the public to submit their images from such events for inclusion in the exhibition.

“These celebrations allow family and friends to come together, to pass on cultural traditions to younger generations, to participate in ritual and ceremony, and to create new memories and belonging in new places,” says PAMA. “This crowdsourced photo exhibition tells the stories of these moments of celebration and joy across a broad cultural diaspora.”

Finding one’s place in the world will also be explored through a drop-in activity on September 21, entitled Vessels, Identity and Belonging, and hosted in partnership with the Mississauga Arts Council.

“Participate in a drop-in activity organized by the Mississauga-based Dreamland Project exploring place, culture, and identity through a special hands-on activity. Engage in creative design and thought-provoking reflection. Paint and decorate your own ceramic vessel then uncover the ways these objects can be keepers of memory and tradition for different cultures around the world.”

As part of Culture Days, on September 28, the spotlight will be shined on local African history in a free-admission event running form 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“In partnership with organizers of the future African History Museum and Cultural Centre, this Culture Days explore African history and traditions in this program happening in the heart of Brampton. Discover African heritage through talks on language, history, and the impacts of colonialism on the continent then and now. Enjoy a performance from Master Drummer Griot Amadou Kienou and reflect on culture and community building in the exhibition Stories of Home, Finding Community and Belonging in Peel.”

For more information on these and other upcoming offerings from PAMA, visit pama.peelregion.ca.