Sioux Lookout selected as National Host for May 26 National Day of Healing and Reconciliation
Press release ...
Sioux Lookout Chosen as National Host for the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation on May 26th
Sioux Lookout, April 27, 2009- The Community Coalition for Healing and Reconciliation has developed a strong year-round plan for strengthening right relations between First Nations and non-First Nations people. The national campaign office for the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation is recognizing their efforts by declaring Sioux Lookout to be the national host for this day.
The Coalition is made up of concerned members of the community, including survivors of residential school, clergy, and members of the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee.
They had their first event in February called Let the Dialogue Begin, when they arranged for a visit from Aideen Nabigon, Executive Director of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, giving an update and answering questions about the work of the Commission.
Since the tremendous turn-out and support of this first event the Coalition has held a second event, showing a film about how the residential school system personally affected generations of First Nations. This was followed by a talking circle.
“May 26th will be our third event and it’s truly an honour to have the endorsement of the national campaign office. The residential school legacy is something that affects everyone and the Coalition’s goal is to engage the whole community, as well as both Native and non-Native surrounding communities, in an open and respectful dialogue about the issue” said residential school survivor and Coalition member Garnet Angeconeb.
The plan for May 26th is to have a sunrise ceremony and in the evening to have a feast, displays, speakers and a multi-media presentation about local history including the impact of the residential school system.
“What impressed us about the submission from the Community Coalition for Healing and Reconciliation is that their plans for addressing the residential school legacy go well beyond this one day event. I will be in attendance on May 26th and I’m very much looking forward to being part of this meaningful gathering as well as having the chance to meet with the Coalition and find out more about their work” said Marcia Halfe, Campaign Manager for the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation.
For more information about this event please contact Katy Quinn, SLARC Projects and Partnerships Coordinator at (807)737-1501 or katyquinn@knet.ca.