The rain fell but it was viewed as a way to heal the Earth last Saturday.
Truth and Reconciliation events were held in Amherstburg, centring mainly around King’s Navy Yard Park where drum performances and vendors were stationed near the gazebo. The Park House Museum served corn soup and bread, there was a book signing at River Bookshop by Dr. Bev Jacobs and music performances at Musicland during the day Saturday.
Storyteller Theresa Sims played a drum and also spoke about the day. She called for everyone to “work together as one heart and one mind.” Sims added “rain is healing” and that “Mother Earth is crying” but the event went forward. She added “we’re here to work with our allies” to make life better for future generations.
Faith Hale, executive director of the Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, also said the rain is healing and that water is sacred.
“Water is life. We need this day,” added Chance Rush, who moderated the day.
“We’re gathered for our future generations,” said Hale.
Hale added there is an opportunity to turn reconciliation into action, using the term “reconcili-action” during the event.
There were also screenings of the documentary “Culture Killers, Culture Healers” and previews of that were also shown at the Park House Museum. It is produced and directed by Paul Ruggieri.
Mayor Michael Prue said it was “a very solumn occasion” and that Amherstburg was proud to be part of it. He said it was an occasion to remember those impacted by residential schools and the Indigenous culture.
Residential schools left “a deep scar” on many Indigenous Peoples and the town commits to “stand with our Indigenous neighbours,” the mayor stated.
“We commit to listen, to learn and work together,” said Prue.
Prue noted the background of General Jeffrey Amherst, whom Prue said “had a dark side too.”
“We must not forget that,” he said. “I am proud to be from Amherstburg but we do acknowledge what he did against some of the people from Turtle Island.”
Prue urged the community to think of the children who did not come home from residential school and the injustices that were suffered, but also to think about the future and how reconciliation can be achieved. He noted there are plans for a heritage centre for Indigenous Peoples on the former Duffy’s lands.
“We’re glad to be able to partner in an act of reconciliation,” added Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb. “We have an obligation to work with our Indigenous friends and partners.”
Councillor Don McArthur also attended, adding the children that did not come home have to be remembered “because every child matters.”
“Let’s listen, let’s learn and let’s strive to be better,” said McArthur.
Truth and Reconciliation event presented on wet weekend
By Ron Giofu
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