A significant step in the path towards Truth and Reconciliation.
The City of Dryden, Dryden Native Friendship Centre and Dryden Area Anti Racism Network (DAARN) are teaming up to recognize Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation tomorrow. (Thursday)
“We are going to be having some events at Cooper Park this year,” says Cheryl Edwards Executive Director of the Dryden Native Friendship Centre. “We’ll be doing a walk for Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation, a pipe ceremony conducted by some local elders who did in fact attend residential school and we’re also having a drum ceremony and songs for those individuals.”
Opening ceremonies and the first walking group starts at 10am.
When it comes to the importance of the day Edwards explains it’s the start of what many Indigenous people and communities have been wanting for a very long time, for people to know the truth about what happened at residential schools.
“We feel very acknowledged now, that this type of day has come and it is just the start. For many people it’s an acknowledgement and it also helps them in their healing process.”
Edwards continues, “It almost feels now that the people who were not aware of what happened at these schools will be aware. Some of the history may be a bit traumatic for people to hear but at least they will still have the understanding and understanding of Indigenous people as well, why some families still struggle and individuals still struggle and hopefully this may help the entire process of healing.”
Looking ahead, Edwards stresses commitment to truth and reconciliation involves everyone.
“The drummers, the City of Dryden, the elders that will be participating, it takes a lot of courage to be able to do this and to give the proper acknowledgment to the children who didn’t make it home (the discoveries) and getting acknowledgment from other parties that were involved in the residential school process, so I’m hopeful.”
Agenda – September 30 – Cooper Park, Earl Ave, Dryden
10-10:30am Pipe Carriers & Ceremony (no filming is permitted)
10:30 – 11:00am Opening Remarks/ Greetings
11:00am – 2 or 3pm Drum Ceremony & Songs
12:00 – 4pm ONWA – Medicine Bag Demonstration
Group walking times: 10-11am, 12-1pm, 2-3pm, 4-5pm, 5-6pm
Due to COVID-19 protocols you must sign up before the end of today in order to participate in the walk.
More information can be found here.
All City of Dryden departments and offices will be closed tomorrow.
The Rec. Complex will be open from 5:30 am until 9:00 pm, while the 502 Landfill will be open from 8 until 5.
To hear more from Cheryl Edwards, listen to the full interview below.
(With Files From Mike Ebbeling)
