National Truth and Reconciliation Day held in Melfort in 2021 (File photo/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Calls to action

Melfort, Humboldt honouring National Truth and Reconciliation Day

Sep 29, 2022 | 1:33 PM

The City of Melfort will be holding a candlelight vigil in honour of both National Truth and Reconciliation Day and the James Smith Cree Nation.

The observation will take place tonight, September 29th, at the Memorial Garden at 7 p.m.

All are welcome, with candles to be provided, as well as glowsticks for young children.

A candlelight vigil for the victims of the recent stabbings held in front of the Prince Albert Grand Council main office, earlier this month. (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

Gailmarie Anderson, cultural coordinator, told northeastNOW this provides an opportunity to join together and go forward as such.

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“We can’t change the past, but we can change the future. We need to build relationships with everyone and we need to work together. This will give an indication to our neighbours with James Smith Cree Nation, that we are all one people and that we are grieving, as well as they are for the events that unfolded in their community.”

There will be drumming and prayer, along with the vigil, followed by a gathering with hot chocolate.

The main street block between Macleod and Crawford will be closed as drivers are asked to be mindful of the area.

There will only be a handful of chairs, as those who are able to stand will be asked to do so.

With the close proximity the city has to James Smith Cree Nation, Anderson added how tied together these communities already are.

“We have a lot of James Smith Cree Nation peoples, living in our community, attending our schools, and working in our businesses. We’re all part of the same circle of life and we need to support each other and the city recognizes that, as well.”

On Friday, City Hall will have an orange shirt day flag flying out front of their building.

Meanwhile in Humboldt, Carlton Trail Regional College, the District Chamber of Commerce, and the City presented an opportunity to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation from Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Mary Culbertson.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for all of our citizens to learn and gain an understanding of what Truth and Reconciliation truly means. It is important that we continue to recognize that acts of reconciliation must continue perpetually and not just on national days of recognition,” said Mayor Behiel, in a press release.

The Treaty Commissioner is of Nahkawe and Irish/Scottish English descent and is a member of the Keeseekoose First Nation. She was the first member of their community to earn a Juris Doctor from U of S Law and practice law in Saskatchewan. In January 2018, Mary Culbertson became the first female Treaty Commissioner for Saskatchewan.

“Although truth and reconciliation is about more than just one day, it’s important for us to find opportunities to learn about the history of residential schools in Canada, and to reflect on our own roles in understanding and answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action,” noted Amy Yeager, President and CEO of Carlton Trail College.

This free presentation was held in person on Wednesday, September 28 at Jubilee Hall in the Humboldt Uniplex.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8