September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which honours the children who never returned home as well as survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
Across the country, hundreds of local activities are taking place that commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
Two organizations in Nipissing-Timiskaming will receive funding to aid in those efforts.
The Department of Canadian Heritage will give $20,000 to the Keepers of the Circle organization in Nipissing First Nation. and New Liskeard.
MP Anthony Rota says “It is so important to recognize and commemorate the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools."
The Keepers of the Circle will receive $10,000 for their Annual Every Child Matters Pow Wow for National Truth and Reconciliation Day in the District of Temiskaming.
Nipissing First Nation will host survivors and the community for a day of ceremony, healing, and a feast.
“Acknowledging the history and legacy of residential schools brings the strength of our community together to ignite the conversation of truth in that history,” says Nipissing First Nation Chief, Scott McLeod.
As well, Nipissing First Nation will receive $10,000 to host events related to Truth and Reconciliation Day.
September 30 also marks Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.”
