A sizable and attentive crowd, for the most part wearing orange, gathered for a special event on the grounds of the Boyd Museum late this afternoon. They came to acknowledge this National Day set aside for reflection on the hard truths of our past and to contemplate a good way forward that includes commitment and action.
This is a day when heads and hearts engage in coming to terms with what the words “Truth and Reconciliation” really ask of us as individuals and as a Nation. Sometimes the best way to connect with the fullness of this reality is through song, poetry and art. Those of us who were present at this event were very lucky to be able to experience the power and impact of all three of these forms of expression.
Sherry Telford and Rodney Smith-Merkley set the context for today’s gathering which helped us to settle in and open to what really matters. David Beaucage Johnson told personal stories of his family’s experience with residential schools and gave us a glimpse of the importance that his culture and language play in his life. His stories about child rearing helped us see the beauty of honouring a child’s natural inclinations and the gift that that way of viewing children has on developing respectful engaged individuals. It also highlighted the loss that residential institutions and continuing policies of assimilation have on Indigenous communities.
Sarah Lewis went on to move us with her powerful spoken word poems. Her writing cuts right to the quick and her delivery packs a punch. She spoke of how difficult it was to revisit the trauma in every retelling of her work. We are so grateful to her for her courage and tenacity in believing in the power of her words to move people toward healing. In light of David’s comments it was a delight to see Sarah’s three year old son freely being his very busy and active self. Find her work online https://youtu.be/HruM58Y0d-c and in this anthology https://www.kegedonce.com/books/poetry/slam-coalkan-performance-poetry-the-condor-and-the-eagle-meet/
The formal part of the event was closed with song by Brittany Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation. Brittany spoke of starting her day at 5:30am at a Sunrise Ceremony. Sarah and Brittany both were invited to contribute to several events on this National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Their willingness and generosity in sharing their gifts at more than one event does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Chi miigwech to all our guests and attendees.
While a sea of orange on one day is not the end of the story, it brings hope that we will all do our part toward Truth and Reconciliation on the remaining 364 days each year.
