Renfrew gathers at Ma-te-Way Park for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

MBC NEWS FILE PHOTO

Renfrew joined communities across the country recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Bonnechere Algonquin First Nation Chief Richard Zohr welcomed residents and visitors to Ma-te-Way Park on Wednesday, September 30, for a ceremony that focused on honouring the people, families, and communities impacted by Canada’s residential school system.

He says it’s important that more and more people are taking the opportunity to connect and discover the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

The ceremony was led by Sonny Robbins, an Indigenous educator from the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, who spoke on the importance of reconciling with the harm done by residential schools. It also featured a series of songs led by two local drumming groups that centred around healing.

For Robbins, it is important to be able to share knowledge and cultural understanding with the public.

Also in attendance was Renfrew Mayor Tom Sidney, who says the town is fortunate to have a strong working relationship with BAFN that promotes opportunities for Indigenous education at the Indigenous Community Centre and medicine wheel at Ma-te-Way Park and locations across town.

Attendees were also encouraged to take part in Orange Shirt Day, donning orange as a reminder that Every Child Matters.

(written by Kasey Egan)