Renfrew residents join in a social round dance at the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation event on September 30th, 2023.
The Mayor of Renfrew says the embracing the bond between the town and local First Nations groups is essential as the town develops.
Tom Sidney and other town representatives will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30th, hosting Indigenous teachings, drumming, and singing with the Bonnechere Inodewiziwin Abinodjinish Kikinamagan inside Ma-te-Way Park from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Renfrew Public Library will also be onsite and available to showcase their Indigenous resources from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sidney says there is a long journey ahead for reconciliation, but he believes the town is making an effort.
The soon-to-open Indigenous Cultural Centre symbolizes a kind of partnership between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people that Sidney says hasn’t always been a thing for many Canadian communities even in recent years. He says every step forward matters.
Sidney notes that Chief Richard Zohr and the Bonnechere Algonquin First Nation have expressed a deep interest in sharing their stories and teachings, and he urges the community to stop by Ma-te-Way Park on Monday to get a better understanding by reflecting on matters like the legacy of residential schools and the strength of Indigenous survivors.
Even if you can’t, the hope is that the event will continue to spark meaningful conversations in the future.
Looking forward, Sidney says the lease on the Indigenous Cultural Centre is “locked in” and the BAFN have occupancy of it as they continue to finish preparations for an open house later this fall
