COCHRANE - Reconciliation and understanding goes beyond a mere date on the calendar, says a Cochrane leader.
Tyler Beaton, the executive director of the Ininew Friendship Centre in Cochrane, is stressing the need for involvement and education to truly honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and advance reconciliation efforts.
Marked on Sept. 30, events are planned in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls and Kapuskasing.
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is important because representation needs to matter. It’s one thing for it to be marked on a calendar and that brief acknowledgement, but it’s another thing to participate and to learn and to educate yourself,” Beaton said.
“It's an entire culture of people that has been attempted to be completely eradicated. And it takes more than just a day on the calendar to find appreciation in that and to pay respect.”
Sept. 30 is significant for a couple or reasons.
Since 2013, it's been recognized as Orange Shirt Day to raise awareness and educate people about the residential school system.
It’s an Indigenous-led commemorative event inspired by the story of survivor Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken on her first day at residential school. Many Canadians wear orange shirts to honour the children who survived and to remember those who did not.
In 2021, Sept. 30 was declared a federal statutory holiday known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day aims to foster deeper reflection, education and public dialogue about the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Beaton is encouraging people to visit friendship centres and engage directly with Indigenous communities.
“Friendship centres are built on cultural preservation, and a piece of cultural preservation is non-Indigenous people's willingness and desire to come and learn,” Beaton said.
He stresses that understanding the full magnitude of historical injustices requires personal and immersive experiences, not just academic knowledge.
“Without the actual physical hands-on experience, it becomes difficult to really understand the full magnitude of what has happened," he said.
Beaton referenced the story of Chanie Wenjack, a young boy who escaped from a residential school, as an educational tool.
“The Wenjack story, created by Joseph Boyden in collaboration with Gord Downie from Tragically Hip, is an excellent resource for all ages,” Beaton said.
“It’s a powerful narrative that captures the profound impact of residential schools and provides a compelling way to educate ourselves about this history.”
How to mark the day
Timmins
On Sept. 30, the Timmins Native Friendship Centre is hosting its Orange Shirt Day event.
It starts at the centre located at 179 Kirby Ave. at 10:30 a.m. with an opening prayer and drumming ceremony. There is a community walk at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch and speeches at noon,
From 1:30 to 3 p.m., residential school survivors will share their stories.
The day wraps up with a closing prayer and drumming ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
Cochrane
The Ininew Friendship Centre’s event starts with a 5:30 a.m. sunrise ceremony at the cultural grounds.
A community walk starts at 11 a.m., departing from the centre located at 190 Third Ave. Participants will walk to the town pavilion, where there is a storytelling session near the town fountain. Elders and community members will share personal stories and experiences related to residential schools, offering firsthand accounts and insights into the enduring impact on their lives and families.
The event ends with a community lunch at 12:30 p.m. at the friendship centre.
Iroquois Falls
Iroquois Falls is sponsoring events at the Jus Jordan Arena and Sports Complex in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
On Friday (Sept. 27), there is a free skate with the Stingers from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A free family swim runs from 6 to 7 p.m. with a free public swim from 7 to 8 p.m.
On Monday Sept. 30, a free skate and free swim will be available for students in Grades 4-8 from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m.
Kapuskasing
Kapuskasing is holding events on Sept. 29 and 30 at the Riverside Park Bay Area.
Sunday's events are:
- 10 a.m. - Opening ceremony with prayer and the lighting of the sacred fire
- 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Indigenous vendors market
- 10 a.m. - noon, and 1-3 p.m. - Jim Misquart drumming and teaching
- Noon - 1 p.m. - Community lunch
- 1-3 p.m. - Vanessa Brousseau Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls presentation with the red dress art installation
- 5-6:30 p.m. - Community feast
- 6-9 p.m. - Community hand drumming
Monday's events are:
- 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Activity booths
- 11 a.m. - noon, and 1-2 p.m. - Vanessa Brousseau Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls presentation with the red dress art installation in the big tent
- Noon - 1 p.m. - Community lunch
- 1-4 p.m. - Eagle Soaring drum group and traditional dancers
- 5-6 p.m. - Traditional feast.
There are also workshops on both days. Details are available here.
