Hundreds of people gathered for the day of truth and reconciliation

For the fourth Day of Truth and Reconciliation, several hundred people participated in a march in Fredericton, a symbol of the vitality of communities, according to participants.

Organized by the Chief of the Sitansisk First Nation, formerly known as St. Marys, Allan Polchiesthis walk aims to remembering all the children who never returned home and Canada’s dark history.

Following the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which uncovered atrocities committed at federally-run residential schools from 1867 to 1996, a statutory holiday was created to honor the victims and survivors of its boarding schools.

It is a day of reflection on the path to healing for all Indigenous people explains the chef Allan Polchies.

Pour Sarah Rosewho participated in the event in Fredericton, this public holiday created only four years ago is an opportunity to raise public awareness and allow them to better know Indigenous communities. It is also an opportunity to show the resilience and strength of its communities, according to her.

After all the horrible things that have happened to us, we are still here and we strive to welcome people to understand who we are as a peopleshe explains.

Pour Nicole Cardyalso present at the event, these events are also proof that indigenous communities are particularly alive. She is pleased to see young people dancing and speaking the language. It’s good to see our culture rebornshe smiled.

Long way to go

Also in Moncton, an event was organized in front of City Hall and brought together dozens of people. Manuella Caravantes, Elsipogtog First Nation, and member of the Elsipogtog Spirit Singers happened on this day.

For her, this day is necessary to show the vitality of the culture of indigenous communities which almost got deleted.

Manuelle Caravantes believes it is also important for the non-Indigenous population to realize that residential schools are not of ancient history. The last one was closed only 28 years ago.

The goal was to assimilate us, get rid of us and we are still hereshe explains with pride. The 28-year-old young woman, mother of one child, also expresses her relief at no longer being considered an incapable mother just because I am indigenous.

But there is still a long way to go.

His community was recently shaken by the death of Steve “Iggy” Dedam, killed by police during an emergency response while he was armed and suicidal.

According to her, a wellness check should never result in a death, which happens too often to Indigenous populations.

She would like her and the members of her community to no longer be considered as menaces.

I hope that one day we will no longer have to face racism.

With information from Michèle Brideau and Allie Chouinard