We gathered. We drummed. We sang. We listened to thought-filled words that emanated from the same place where spirit resides.

It is estimated that between 250 and 300 people of all ages attended the event at the library in Bobcaygeon for National Truth and Reconciliation Day. I believe that we had a centenarian in attendance (cool word eh! it means a person 100 years or older).  It was wonderful to see the children who were there as well. I watched on young boy faithfully tap over his heart as a drumbeat while we sang four rounds of the Secwepemc Honour Song.

Jamie Schmale MP for Haliburton— Kawartha Lakes—Brock read a poem by Dennis Saddleman. Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan told of her learning experiences and read a land acknowledgement from the City of Kawartha Lakes. Thank you for joining us on this first National Day. 

We are expecting photographs and video to be coming to us over the next couple of days. However we want to acknowledge all the people and the media who helped get the word out about this event.

People came from Fenelon Falls, Kinmount, Lindsay, Peterborough  to name but a few places. They heard about the event because their friends let them know in person, because people shared information on their social media and because businesses, institutions and public places hung the poster for the event. Thank you for telling your friends and family – every share helped.

Thank you to the Bobcaygeon Library for your generosity and support. It was the perfect place to gather.

A special thank you to the media and media folk who covered this announcement and our other endeavours.

Thanks to Fenelon Falls Community for their share https://www.facebook.com/TRCBobcaygeon/photos/a.1022692617900528/1923778451125269

https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/news/kawartha-lakes-recognizes-national-day-of-truth-and-reconciliation.aspx

https://kawarthanow.com/2021/09/27/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-events-in-the-greater-kawarthas-region/

https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/local-kawartha-lakes/life/2021/06/19/bobcaygeon-group-s-215-children-taken-art-installation-hopes-to-build-awareness.html

Bobcaygeon group says new statutory holiday finally acknowledges our racist legacies

 

Pictures and video to follow soon. Stay tuned.