By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wilmot Township held its second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Memorial Walk on Sept. 30.
The event was held in partnership with the Wilmot Family Resource Centre, Indigenous Women's Healing Circle and Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary.
A release from Wilmot described the day as a somber gathering and an opportunity for community members to come together and deepen their understanding of the lasting and ongoing impacts of colonization on First Nations, Métis and Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Participants gathered at Schmidt Woods and had the opportunity to participate in a traditional smudging ceremony conducted by the Indigenous Women’s Healing Circle before taking a self-guided walk. The path was lined with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and oral storytelling.
Mayor Natasha Salonen emphasized the importance of the memorial walk.
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is important for Canadians to gather in community, further individual learning and recommit to a path of understanding and action. I was encouraged to see so many residents join us in honouring the lived experiences and oral stories of Indigenous peoples who continue to live with the intergenerational impacts of the residential school system and colonization.”
She added all levels of government, including municipalities, must continue to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
“The path to true reconciliation is a long one; it will take everyone to address the historic injustices committed against Indigenous peoples and build a truly equitable future for all.”
Salonen said it was wonderful to see the growth compared to the 2023 event.
“Last year, we had between 20 to 30 people, so to see 100 this year was fantastic. People are interested in both learning and taking part in a day of mourning for Indigenous peoples. … It was great to see people wanting to gather for that.”
She explained the most interesting portion of the day may have been when the formal portion was done and people just stood around and talked.
“After the walk, refreshments were available and a few booths with the public library, ecumenical working group and we had a sacred fire. But it was the conversations I had with people and the ones I overheard.”
Salonen said one of the stories she read to the crowd was “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt,” which led to an interesting chat.
“A little girl was asking her mom why her shirt was taken away. She was probably kindergarten age and it’s great to get to hear and see people reflecting on and questioning what they were learning to gain a deeper understanding.”
She added many people made it obvious they were interested in learning more by putting library resources on hold to be picked up at a later date.
“We are getting to see the impact and hear community conversations happen. It really shows how much of a success the day was. The only negative thing I heard was all the mosquitos,” joked Salonen, who added many people were both moved and surprised by how impactful emotionally their experiences were.
With this year’s event in the books, Salonen’s attention turns to planning for 2025 and she already has a few ideas on how to make the day even better thanks to feedback, which will include education on the Calls to Action.
“A lot of people didn’t even realize all the calls that exist. Many wondered what kind of movement has been made on them and next year, I think we are going to try and look at trying to incorporate a way to update which calls have been acted on and in what capacity.”
She added there were a few parents at this week’s event a little concerned about the age-appropriateness of the materials being presented, but their fears were quickly put to rest.
“All stories and content were geared towards kindergarten to Grade 8 age, but much like a Disney movie, there are other meanings for all age levels, but it made it very appropriate for any age to come.”
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