It’s an interactive, family fun event to kick off Orange Shirt day celebrations in Stratford. The Stratford Library, Rotary Club and the Museum are all teaming up to launch the new Tales and Trails book trail called Sometimes I Feel Like a Tree.
“This event is about the Truth and Reconciliation report calls to action,” said Megan Patterson, the manager of programs and education at the Stratford Museum.
The book by Indigenous author Danielle Daniel, features twelve lyrical poems that look at twelve different trees throughout various seasons and how to connect with each of us.
“The activities involved reflect the messages behind the book,” said Patterson. “Things like connections with nature, not just spiritually but culturally and how we are all connected through nature.”
The kickoff of the new story at the trail takes place Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the museum, and everyone can enjoy the story on the trail before taking in some self-directed activities inside the museum.
“You can bring in a shirt and get the words Every Child Matters put on the shirt using our 250-year-old printing press,” said Patterson. “We also have other crafts including cutting a ribbon off a line and tying it to a tree on the trail or our friendship fence out front.”
Everything including admission to the museum on Sunday will be free to anyone who wants to check out the event.
“Representatives from the Museum and the Library will be here to answer any questions,” said Patterson. “If you want to become more connected to our Indigenous communities and culture and have these sometimes tough discussions, we will be here.”
If you can’t make it out on Sunday but still want to see the story on the trail, there is some good news as it will be staying on the trail for at least four months.
