This is an archived hub from Culture Days 2025.

The Crossing: Community Heritage Day

Event Hub

Email Save QR code

Location

Knox Presbyterian Church Sixteen and Lions Valley Park

10 Lions Valley Park Road

Oakville, ON

The Crossing: Community Heritage Day

Saturday September 20, 2025

Knox Presbyterian Church Sixteen and Lions Valley Park

11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Discover the history of the place known today as Lions Valley Park!

Since the First Nations people have lived on this land, the place known today as Lions Valley Park has been an important location. It is where the river could be crossed, and a place to meet, trade, and live. In the 1800s, it was the site of the thriving community of Proudfoot’s Hollow, a village that no longer exists. Today, Lions Valley is a natural landscape park with an extensive trail system situated along the Sixteen Mile Creek in the river valley.

Join us for a day of discovery and celebration as we explore The Crossing - a space for community gathering that honours the layered histories of this land through story, ceremony, and dialogue. It brings together Indigenous, settler, and newcomer communities to engage in truth-telling, cross-cultural learning, and reconciliation.

Back for its third year, the activities of the day will provide the opportunity for all to discover this important heritage destination. Explore Indigenous creation perspectives on the Moccasin Trail; participate in the Moccasin Identifier™ project; learn about the importance of wampum belts in recording the history of the First Nations people of Turtle Island; experience Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project with Oakville Museum; discover the history of Proudfoot’s Hollow and its disappearance; join Duran Place for Kids for an archaeology “dig box” activity; tour the cemetery and exterior of historic Knox Sixteen Church; learn about the history of the Underground Railroad with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton; explore our natural heritage with bio-artefacts from Conservation Halton; practice mindful movements in the park with Canada Mindful Peace; experience traditional children’s toys, games, crafts, and interactive activities; enjoy a popcorn snack; take a nature hike through the forest; bring your dog for a walk and visit our "Canine Crossing" station; view historical displays and enjoy a fall apple tasting with the Oakville and Bronte Historical Societies; watch hoop dancing performances at the pavilion from Nikki Shawana; enjoy musical entertainment from the wandering singing duo, Historical Harmonies; pack a picnic lunch and take in the fall colours; come and meet neighbours in your community; participate in our Discovery Passport… With such a range of activities it is sure to be a day of fun for the whole family!

Join us for the opening welcome in Knox Sixteen Church at 11:30 a.m.

Activities and tours will begin at 12:00 p.m.

Please consider taking public transit due to limited on-site parking.