PHOTO (left to right): Warden of the County of Renfrew, Debbie Robinson; Chief Wendy Jocko, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
Earlier this month (September 1st, 2021), Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson was joined by Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Chief Wendy Jocko for a ceremonial raising of an orange flag at the County of Renfrew Administration Building.
The event was in recognition and acknowledgement of the trauma and suffering of those affected by the dark legacy of the residential school system.
Warden Robinson says today’s ceremony was another step in the journey along the path to truth and reconciliation, as the County of Renfrew continues to advance discussions regarding reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.
Chief Jocko says over the next few years, she hopes to work together to identify, protect, and commemorate Indian Residential School burial sites and repatriate the remains of children who died, should that be the wish of the affected families and communities.
Jocko adds they will explore ways to work together to increase public awareness and deepen our collective understanding of the history and continued harms of the Indian Residential School System.
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Chief says we owe this collaborative approach to the many children that never made it home – to uncover the truth, rectify past wrongs and meaningfully contribute to the often-difficult work of true reconciliation.
Both Warden Robinson and Chief Jocko hope today’s ceremony will encourage all people of Renfrew County to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples both locally and across Canada.
At the August meeting of County Council, staff was directed by Council to fly an orange flag as a symbol of support and recognition for those affected by the harms of the residential school legacy.
The county has a long-standing positive relationship with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and is grateful for their many continued demonstrations of friendship.
In 2016 the County of Renfrew and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding that created a framework to encourage development in infrastructure and economic opportunities, and skills development for the betterment of both communities.
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