National Day of Healing and Reconciliation celebrations planned for May 26

For a list of different events being planned for the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation (May 26) can be found at http://www.ndhr.ca/ ... Register your community event ... the following event is planned for Sioux Lookout ...

SLFNHA and SLARC Joint Press Release ...

Sioux Lookout organizations mark National Day of Healing and Reconciliation

Sioux Lookout, May 22, 2007 – The Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee (SLARC) and the  Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority have partnered to organize an event to mark the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation this Friday May 25th in Sioux Lookout.

The event scheduled for lunchtime on Friday, May 25th at the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre will feature a traditional feast for thirty community leaders from Sioux Lookout and Lac Seul. Guest speaker Garnet Angeconeb, a Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation of Canada and a survivor of Pelican Falls Residential School, will discuss the meaning and purpose of the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation.

“This is an important day to honour and celebrate,” said SLARC Co-Chair Bertha Jacques. “SLARC looks forward to working with both Sioux Lookout and Lac Seul to make the day a special day in our communities.”

“We are very happy to partner with SLARC in bringing community leaders and elders together to mark this special occasion,” said SLFNHA Executive Director James Morris.

The National Day of Healing and Reconciliation is observed May 26 of each year. Its objectives are:

  • To celebrate a positive, collective healing and reconciliation movement within our families, communities, churches, and government on May 26th each year.
  • To educate ourselves and other Canadians about our collective history of government policies that has affected Aboriginal Communities and Canadians.
  • To develop commemoration sites and encourage communities to join in the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation.

For further information, please contact:

Jennifer Morrow, Business Manager, Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee, (807) 737-1135 x1550 or (807) 737-4901

James Morris, Executive Director, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, (807) 737-1802