‘All Canadians need to confront the past’: Trudeau in Sask. marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Cities across Saskatchewan are marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Saturday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Lac La Ronge with his son Hadrien and Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and other members of the Lac La Ronge community as they observed events of the day.

“This is a challenging day, it’s a day where all Canadians need to confront the fact that our past was not what we would want it to be,” Trudeau said. “There are many who’d like us to simply brush over the past and pretend it didn’t happen because they feel that talking about Truth and reconciliation, marking this day, somehow diminishes us.”

He said that recognizing the truth of the past is the only way to to make Canada “the country we know we can be.”

Cook-Searson also spoke at the event.

“Today is about the residential school survivors, their families and also the children that didn’t make it home,” she said.

2:09 Thousands gather for 3rd annual Truth and Reconciliation day

Cook-Seasron, a third generation residential school survivor, went on to share stories of her experiences in school, including incidents of sexual assaults.

“We were made to feel less-than, like we didn’t matter,” she said.

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Also in Lac La Ronge:

A bridge on Highway 2 that connects the Village of Air Ronge and the Town of La Ronge was renamed Reconciliation Bridge. A new sign was unveiled at a ceremony on September 30.

“‘Mitho Wechewitowin Asokun – Reconciliation Bridge’ stands as a powerful and perpetual symbol for our community and for all who pass through the La Ronge area,” Cook-Searson said.

“As we move forward, let this bridge serve as a beacon of hope, unity, and remembrance, embodying the spirit of togetherness essential for meaningful reconciliation as we step into the future,” she said.

“Reconciliation Bridge stands as a timeless symbol for both our citizens and travelers in the La Ronge area, representing the ongoing journey of reconciliation that unites us,” Athabasca MLA Jim Lemaigre said on behalf of highways minister Lori Carr.

“Collectively we must remain vigilant in acknowledging the impact of residential schools, while paying tribute to survivors and honouring the memory of those who never returned,” Lemaigre said.

Regina

2:00 Regina hosts multiple events on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation took various forms in the city of Regina. At the Mamaweyatitan Centre, community members gathered to hear organized speeches, a walk and barbeque.

Kerry Benjoe, attended residential schools in the late 1990s, just before they closed.

“There’s so many residential school survivors that are younger than me,” she said. “The last residential school closed in 1998 which means there are survivors out there which is still in their late thirties and we’re still going to feel those affects of residential schools from years to come.”

At Victoria Park, the Circle Project held their third annual Honour Walk. Tents were set at the park where speeches were heard, with educational material on the tent walls focused on the history of different Indigenous peoples across Canada.

“What we are trying to do here is to create a safe space for community to gather,” said Circle Project executive director, Ann Perry. “So we didn’t have a formal program or a lot of dignitaries. Everyone who came was a community member, coming together to recognize the survivors of residential schools and their families.”

At The Newo Yotina Friendship Centre on 11th Ave., the street was closed with community booths, Narcan distribution, balloon animals, a community hand-painting art project, bingo and food.

Tammy  Huget is the community programs manager at the centre.

“We have a lot of grandmothers, grandfathers, grandchildren, children, a lot of families here, kids. It’s all just to give a voice to them,” she said.

Residential school survivor Darlene Shepherd was in attendance at Newo Yotina’s event. Shepherd attended Gordon’s Indian Residential School from 1964 to 1968.

“I pray it never happens again, now we’re fighting hard to heal, for people to understand, but I’m not sure if they will because the pain is so deep,” she said. Shepherd added that talking to other survivors who have have been through similar experiences was the start of her healing journey.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon played host to the Rock Your Roots Walk, where thousands walked from Pleasant Hill to River Landing, in solidarity with survivors like Rick Daniels.

“We gather to remember these children, but also to meet other survivors, fellow survivors, to talk about our past and enjoy the day with each other,” Daniels said.

“This is how you learn about us is to join us, talk to us and learn about us, then we can celebrate our lives, whatever we have left of it with our community and our families,” he added.

A powwow was held at the Sasktel Centre, where Tribal Cheif Mark Arcand of the Saskatoon Tribal Council was attendance. The grand entry showcased traditional indigenous song, dance and regalia.

“When we look at it, it’s about celebrating the pride that we have as First Nations people,” he said. “The beautiful thing about reconciliation is we’re taking this journey together to understand and to respect, and the more learning you get, the more satisfying it feels to say ‘now I understand why they do this’,” he added.

Both Daniels and Arcand said they hope to keep education and conversation going year-round, adding there can be no truth without reconciliation.