Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Innu Nation Grand Chief Etienne Rich says the pain felt by Indigenous peoples comes from “being put in a dark place” for so many years.
The Innu of Labrador recently wrapped up a major gathering on the land of families from across the Quebec/Labrador region.
Young and old gathered to hunt, fish, and spend time on the land with family and friends.
(Innu Nation Grand Chief Etienne Rich. File Photo.)
Grand Chief Rich says the value of being on the land cannot be overstated for a people largely cut off from their traditional nomadic way of life.
He says the Innu Nation refused to accept a formal apology made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a very simple reason.
“What is he apologizing for?” asks Rich. It’s not just the residential schools he says, because the abuse occurred in day schools and other government institutions like the Mount Cashel orphanage and the Whitbourne Boy’s Home. The same is true for the death of their way of life and children who have been removed from the community to come back unable to speak their own language. Rich has asked the same question of Premier Andrew Furey – what exactly are you guys apologizing for?
First Light Holding Numerous Events to Mark Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Colonial Building on the national Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 2021.
First Light has a number of events planned for today to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
A private community event is planned for 4:00 this afternoon at the Fluvarium in St. Johns to support the healing of Residential School Survivors and their families who are dealing with intergenerational trauma.
First Light Executive Director Stacey Howse says they will be holding a variety of cultural activities.
She says there will be prayer sessions, ceremonies, and sharing.
As well, members of the public are invited to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and to release prayer ties into a fire. The public prayer event is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. in the Pippy Park Courtyard. Inuit and First Nations drumming and ceremonies will take place at that time.
Meanwhile, 100 per cent of proceeds from a local Orange Shirt campaign are being put towards a safe space for survivors of residential schools.
Funds raised by First Light are being put towards the development of a Residential School Memorial Garden in the capital city.
Howse says the garden is being completely designed by survivors and Indigenous Elders.
She says the garden will be a place of healing and reflection that will feature a number of Indigenous cultural components and symbols.
Howse hopes the garden will be complete within the next two years.
The shirts, designed by a young student and voted on by Elders and residential school survivors, can be purchased through First Light for $20.
