A number of events were held across the region yesterday marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park recognized the day with a ceremonial fire, drumming and speeches.
Event Host and Chair of the Nawash Garden Truth and Reconciliation Committee Trish Meekins says, “For First Nations, it is an opportunity to share in that grief of the missing children that never did return home from residential school as well as all of the grief from our children going to residential schools for well over 100 years since 1883. For the settler population or for the rest of Canada, it’s to raise awareness about what has happened to our people, the genocide that has been going on for pretty much since contact and the broken promises that have continued to happen in regards to the broken treaty promises.”
A large crowd gathered for the event including families, elders and students from École Catholique Saint-Dominique-Savio.
“It was great to see all the kids from Dominique-Savio school. I guess the teachers that brought the kids down feel it is important that the kids come. It was so great to see them, we really do want to make mention of the school making that effort to come down for that celebration because we need to educate the children so we can walk in unity together,” says Meekins.
Local dignitaries were also invited to speak, including Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Darlene Johnston and previous Chief Greg Nadjiwon, who both spoke about the impacts of residential schools.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy was also invited to talk, and says the day is not about mayors speaking, but listening.
“This is a really important event that happens annually at the Reconciliation Garden and I am very happy to be here and see so many people out,” says Boddy.
Meekins adds National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a small step forward towards reaching reconciliation.
“I think that more can be done. It has been 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action have been released by Chief Justice Murray Sinclair,” says Meekins. “I think a really good step forward would be to recognize the leadership of our people, the rightful stewards of the land here on Turtle Island, which is North America and down into Central America. I think that everyone needs to know that no legislation that the Canadian Government does come up with, supersedes any of these treaty agreements that we have,” says Meekins.
Other events were held across Grey Bruce, including the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation holding a community walk to the Wiarton Town Hall and an afternoon of crafts, displays, music, and teachings.
Saugeen First Nation also marked the day with acknowledging the victims and survivors of residential and day schools.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation In Saugeen Shores (Photo by Claire McCormack)
Other municipalities including the Town of the Blue Mountains and Brockton had their own events.