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Thanksgiving Long Weekend - Oct 11 to 14: RBG Centre, Hendrie Park, and Rock Garden open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last admission at 4 p.m. Arboretum and trails open 8 a.m. to dusk.

Book Launch: “Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist” – SOLD OUT

Special Event Accessible Event

Date & Time:

October 15, 6:30 p.m.

Location:

Rock Garden (1185 York Boulevard)

Types:

Speaker Series, Special Event

Length:

1 to 2 Hours

Admission:

Ticketed Event

Event Description

Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist, a 256-page coffee table book featuring works from 17 authors, numerous photographers, mapmakers, and artists, that chronicles the history of Indigenous peoples who have lived within the Niagara region for some 13,000 years

For 13,000 years Indigenous peoples have been present in the Niagara region, drawing sustenance from its lands and waters and participating in historic events that shaped the course of history. Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist takes readers on a fascinating journey of learning and understanding as revealed though Niagara’s profoundly compelling Indigenous heritage and legacy.

The public book launch to be hosted at RBG will include a panel discussion with contributors Tim Johnson, Ronald Williamson and Mark Zelinski. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

SOLD OUT

  • Pre-registration required; space is limited
  • FREE to attend
Landscape of Nations Beyond the Mist - book cover featuring indigenous woman standing in front of Niagara falls

Speakers

Tim Johnson

Headshot of Tim Johnson
Courtesy Tim Johnson

Biography

Tim Johnson is senior advisor for Heritage and Legacy at the Niagara Parks Commission, senior Indigenous curatorial advisor to the Royal Ontario Museum, senior advisor to Plenty Canada, Indigenous advisor on museums, heritage, and legacy to Lord Cultural Resources, and executive producer of the multiple award-winning documentary RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked The World. He holds board memberships with the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network, Niagara Peninsula Aspiring Geopark, Bruce Trail Conservancy, Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and the Shaw Festival. Tim has also been instrumental in the development of several distinguished works of public art in the Niagara Region. These consist of public memorials of national significance that recognize and honour Indigenous peoples’ contributions to Canada, including the Landscape of Nations Memorial. His recent exhibition, Misko-Aki (Red Earth): Confluence of Cultures at the Muskoka Discovery Centre, earned the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Canadian Museums Association. He is the former associate director for Museum Programs at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Ronald Williamson

Ron Williamson headshot
Courtesy Ron Williamson

Biography

Ronald F. Williamson is founder and now senior associate of Archaeological Services Inc. He has spent most of his career studying the history and archaeology of Ontario Iroquoians, much of it collaboratively with Indigenous partners. Until recently, he was vice chair of the Board of Shared Path Consultation Initiative, a charitable organization dedicated to moving beyond collaboration and consultation to Indigenous decision-making in land use planning as well as president of the Museum of Ontario Archaeology at Western University where he is also an adjunct professor. He has published extensively on both Indigenous and early colonial Great Lakes history.

Mark Zelinski

Photo by Nancy Dupont
Photo by Nancy Dupont

Biography

Mark Zelinski trained as an artist and a designer, and graduated as the top student of OCAD in 1979. His diverse career as a professional photographer has taken him across 80 countries, with clients ranging from The National Film Board of Canada to Panasonic. He is also a publisher, writer, painter, filmmaker, Fellow of Royal Canadian Geographic Society, member of The Explorer’s Club, Board Member of UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network and winner of the Canadian Governor General’s Medal. Zelinski is best known for his “Books That Heal” initiative – donating 8,000 copies of his photography books to 100 worldwide charities. His internationally acclaimed photography books include forewords by HRH Prince Philip, The Honourable Lincoln Alexander, AFN Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day Wiindawtegowinini, and The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau. www.MarkZelinski.com

About the Book

Co-edited by Rick Hill and Tim Johnson

For 13,000 years Indigenous peoples have been present in the Niagara region, drawing sustenance from its lands and waters and participating in historic events that shaped the course of history. Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist takes readers on a fascinating journey of learning and understanding as revealed though Niagara’s profoundly compelling Indigenous heritage and legacy.

Copies will be available for purchase at the event.