The regional Indigenous community is actively participating in a weeklong series of events, marking a newly designated national holiday while highlighting the significance of reflection, education, and reconciliation. As the weekend nears, a lineup of activities continues to deepen the understanding of Indigenous history and experiences. myFM spoke with Aimee Bailey, Spokesperson for The Circle of Turtle Lodge, who gave us a full breakdown of all the community activities centered around Truth and Reconciliation and what it really means.
The week began with a strong emphasis on revisiting history, featuring a powerful Kairos Blanket Exercise that vividly portrayed the historical experiences of Indigenous Canadians, including residential school trauma. This was followed by a heartfelt Remembrance Day ceremony dedicated to survivors of residential schools and children who never returned home.
Looking ahead to this weekend, a series of impactful events are on the horizon. Friday just after 10 AM, the local college will host a Remembrance Ceremony at its Medicine Garden, allowing students and staff to honor the Indigenous community. Saturday, the Ma-te-Way Activity Center in Renfrew will host a community gathering featuring a remembrance ceremony dedicated to residential school survivors and those who never returned home, along with a sharing circle for community reflection. Additionally on Friday, Family and Children Services in Pembroke will lead a walk to the cenotaph near City Hall to show broader community support for reconciliation efforts.
Aimee says that, during this week’s events, there’s an emphasis on the importance of taking meaningful actions for reconciliation. These actions can range beyond financial contributions to wearing orange T-shirts. The message is clear: individual engagement is crucial for effective reconciliation.
Additionally, a wealth of resources is available to those seeking to learn more about Indigenous history and experiences. Webinars on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website are ongoing, providing valuable insights. ATN is broadcasting events throughout Saturday, and The History Channel will air a program focused on Indigenous history in the evening. As the week winds down, we look forward to witnessing the community’s enduring spirit and dedication to creating a more harmonious future.
(Written by Luke Notman)
