Bracebridge Council has heard about the Indigenous experience of residential schools first-hand.
On Wednesday members of Town Council were honoured to hear from Lynda Nicholson, a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, about her life growing up as an indigenous person in Canada, and the impact Residential Schools have had on
her and all of her brothers and sisters.
“My hope is that this is a starting point for the residents of Bracebridge to educate themselves on these heart-wrenching matters,” said Lynda Nicholson. “I don’t want this to become yesterday’s news. I hope we can use the awareness of these atrocities to help us move forward in a positive way and help us work together for a respectful, more understanding world for indigenous and non-indigenous alike.”
“It was an absolute honour to hear from Lynda at last night’s Council meeting,” said Mayor Graydon Smith. “Lynda’s words had, and will continue to have, a tremendous impact on all of us. We will continue to support those grieving and raise awareness of these issues in our community. I encourage you to take the time to educate yourself and watch Lynda’s powerful presentation.”
Following the devastating news about the 215 children whose remains were discovered on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation Territory, Deputy Mayor Rick Maloney contacted Lynda to request that she speak to Council about her experience.
Lynda’s presentation is available to see by clicking here