By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
Wearing the orange “Every Child Matters” t-shirts, community members from North and South Bruce have continued the tradition of coming to Cape Croker Park, Neyaashiinigmiing on 30 September to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This is the third year that the Nawash community has invited the neighbouring communities to join them at Cape Croker to acknowledge the tragic legacy of Residential Schools and its impact on the survivors, their families and communities. It is also a day to honour the children who never came home.
Four years ago the first Reconciliation Walk, bringing together the local indigenous and non-indigenous communities, was held in Lion’s Head.
This year’s event was sponsored by The Nawash Community Helpers’ Group and Partnering Programs, and included a Reconciliation Walk, “Sharing our language and culture” activities and demonstrations, music and a feast.
On this 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation there is the growing realization that the survivors are aging and many have passed away. Many of the survivors died before it was acceptable to talk about their experiences at Residential Schools and had to silently live with their trauma. Band Councilor Anthony Chegahno says it is the responsibility of everyone here to share the importance of what this day means to the survivors and their communities. He says “there is work to do to share the stories everyday.”
Photo: Participants walk along a pathway at Cape Croker Park.
Photo: Participants walk along a pathway at Cape Croker Park.
During the Reconciliation Walk through the strand of the Maples trees surrounding the Park, Chief Greg Nadjiwon gave an impromptu speech as the walkers paused along the shoreline. The Chief spoke about his visit to the Wikwemikong Residential School (near Spanish, ON), where the Nawash children were sent. He said he had a strong desire to see the plaque listing the names of the Children, and shared how emotionally difficult it was for him to stay in the building and read the names.
After the Walk, Jean Akiwenzie related the story about her uncle Michael, a child that did not come back. Micheal died at age eight at the Residential School in Spanish, ON, his elder brother also attended the School and did return home. Akiwenzie talked about the impact of the tragedy of her uncle’s death and the experiences of her relatives as Survivors and how it still affects her family today.
A Dyers Bay resident was moved to tears when recounting her thoughts of the event, and says it is important to keep listening. A Lion’s Head couple described the event as a heartfelt and moving experience. A Jackson Cove resident says hearing the stories made her realize that she has much to learn about the Residential Schools.
Chief Nadjiwon was pleased with the attendance at the event, and thanked everyone for coming and learning.
Photo: Drone shot of the event grounds.
