Unite for Good Gathering
Walking Forward Together on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame | Parry Sound
On September 30, Explorers’ Edge is proud to support the inaugural Unite for Good Gathering, an evening of Anishinaabek Knowledge Sharing taking place on Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Gathering will bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members together to listen, learn and deepen understanding through oral storytelling, cultural teachings, song, dance and drumming — shared through an Indigenous lens and in the spirit of friendship and respect.
For Explorers’ Edge, participating in this Gathering is also part of a much broader journey.
Our Work Must Begin With Listening
Over the past several years, Explorers’ Edge has been examining what meaningful reconciliation looks like within our own organization and within tourism.
That work has increasingly reinforced something important for us: Indigenous tourism development cannot simply be approached as another tourism product or marketing opportunity.
It begins with relationships.
It begins with listening.
And it means creating space for Indigenous voices, knowledge and priorities to lead the conversation.
Our work has included engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations across this part of Turtle Island, Indigenous-led learning and guidance, staff education through reconciliation programming, and a dedicated initiative exploring opportunities for Indigenous youth in tourism and entrepreneurship.
We are also working to ensure that future Indigenous visitor experiences connected to our travel programs are approached with cultural integrity and appropriate Indigenous leadership and validation.
There is much more for us to learn.
The objective is not for Explorers’ Edge to determine what Indigenous tourism should look like. Our role is to listen, build relationships, support Indigenous-led opportunities where invited, and continually examine how our own organization can contribute more meaningfully to reconciliation.
Why Unite for Good Matters
The Unite for Good Gathering reflects many of those same principles.
It is not simply an evening of entertainment. It is an invitation to listen and learn from Anishinaabek knowledge, living histories, culture and teachings, while creating opportunities to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
That is why Explorers’ Edge is pleased to stand alongside community partners supporting this Gathering.
Reconciliation is not achieved through one event, one project or one day on the calendar. September 30 provides an important opportunity to honour Residential School Survivors, their families and communities, remember the children who never returned home, and consider what each of us can do differently going forward.
An Evening of Anishinaabek Knowledge Sharing
The Gathering will feature:
Oral storytelling • Cultural teachings • Song • Dance • Drumming
These living teachings and stories will be shared through an Indigenous lens, creating an opportunity for those attending to listen, learn and experience the strength of Anishinaabek knowledge and culture.
Event Details
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
2 Bay Street, Parry Sound
Social: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Knowledge Sharing: 6:45 p.m.
Supporting Youth and Community
Proceeds from sponsorships will support youth initiatives across West Parry Sound and Muskoka, including Georgian Bay 7Gens Swimming, Indigenous youth singing, dance and drumming opportunities, the Rosseau Lake College Seven Generations Program, and local service clubs providing important community-first services.
Join Us
We encourage tourism operators, community leaders, organizations, educators, students and residents to join us on September 30.
Come to listen.
Come to learn.
And come prepared to consider how we can continue walking forward together in a good way.
