Recognizing the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021

In recognition of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), Southeast Child & Family Services hosted two events to encourage reflection and meaningful discussions around the impact of Residential Schools. Our first event was hosted at the Southeast offices in the community of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON) on Wednesday, September 29th. Staff, community members and children from the Head Start program gathered wearing orange shirts to honour and celebrate the memory of those affected by Residential Schools. Remarks were given by Chief Deborah Smith followed by a traditional hoop dance demonstration. A teepee was erected by the Southeast Brokenhead team, and attendees were encouraged to mark their handprints on the canvas in orange paint in honour of those who did not make it home.

Following lunch, everyone was welcomed to participate in a spirited round dance to close the event. The entire event was filmed and photographed by participants of the Spirit of the Story program. Participants enrolled in this program meet twice a week to learn how to use digital mediums as a storytelling platform. Program youth stayed after the event was concluded to conduct video interviews with BON Residential School survivors.

On Thursday, September 30th, all Southeast offices in the city and communities were closed in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This same day the Winnipeg Prevention Team organized a private event at the Knowles Centre that was open to all Southeast clients and staff. The event opened with a pipe ceremony conducted by Cecil Sveinson and Kyle McClintock. Prayers were made to once again honour the spirit of those who did not make it home from residential school.

Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to participate in the other activities at the event. Three bouncy castles were brought in for youth to enjoy, a hot dog lunch was provided, and door prizes were won by some lucky attendees. The teepee erected in Brokenhead the day prior was rebuilt again at this event and everyone was encouraged to mark their handprints. This teepee will be used at future Southeast events where the memory of the victims will continue to be honoured and acknowledged. This event was again filmed and photographed by participants of the Spirit of the Story program.

A big thank-you to all those who came together to celebrate, honour, and acknowledge the victims, survivors, and those affected by Residential School's.

Information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can be found on the Government of Canada website at: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html.

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