Northeast Sask events to mark National Truth and Reconciliation Day

The northeast is getting ready to get together for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) on Monday.

Several communities are holding events to mark the day, including Tisdale.

A community walk to recognize NDTR will be held on Friday, starting at 11 a.m. at the Tisdale Town Square.

One of the organizers, Katie Adair, said the event will start with a short welcome, followed by a prayer from an Elder from the Kinistin Salteaux Nation. A short walk will follow, and Adair said students from both Tisdale schools will be participating.

“We’ll be going up and down Main Street, and people are encouraged to wear orange shirts,” said Adair.

Adair added that NDTR is important to recognize because it’s a large part of Canadian history that was not talked about or denied for a long time.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation really focuses in on residential schools and that legacy that was left from residential schools,” Adair explained. “I think it also connects to the generational trauma that has followed that, as well as the inequities we still have today.”

Acknowledging the past is the Truth part of the Truth and Reconciliation, said Adair, while Reconciliation is the quest to look for a better tomorrow. She said the event recognizes the survivors of residential schools and those children who didn’t make it home.

Terri Peequaquat is a member of the Yellow Quill First Nation who will take part in the event in Tisdale. She said everyone has an obligation to learn about Canada’s history.

“The effects of residential schools are still very visible today,” said Peequaquat.

She added there are many people in Canada who aren’t aware of residential schools and their impacts, especially newcomers to the country who aren’t required to learn about that history.

“I think we all have a duty and obligation to learn and teach what we can about the history and its impacts, to prevent further division.”

Indigenous people want the rest of Canada to acknowledge the history for what it is, according to Peequaquat, and that’s why it’s called Truth and Reconciliation.

“If there is no truth, there is no reconciliation,” Peequaquat said.

Peequaquat is looking forward to participating in the walk in Tisdale on Friday. Her partner is leading the walk with his drum and singing.

“I think that will be a quite powerful event for the town itself, so we’re always glad to participate whenever we can.”

Peequaquat said she attended a reconciliation meeting in the spring in Tisdale and established a bond with the area. She said it was powerful to be able to share her own experience with having a mother and grandmother as residential school survivors, and how the following generations have been affected.

“We’ve come a long way, but we have a long way to go.”

A community gathering for National Truth and Reconciliation Day will be held in Melfort on Friday.

The event starts at 10:30 a.m. at the MUCC track and features a presentation, round dance, and walk.

Reconciliation Nipawin is hosting an Indigenous Art and Culture Night on Saturday evening at the Central Park School gym.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with performances beginning at 7 p.m.

The event will feature hoop dancing by Terrance Littletent, singing by Serena’s Secret, and art displays by Marcy Friesen. Beading, painting, and more will be for sale by local vendors.

Everyone is invited to all of the local events, and recommended to wear orange shirts.

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