NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF THOROLD
****************************
In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the City of Thorold, in partnership with Kakekalanicks, is inviting community members to participate in a number of interactive teachings and workshops and a special commemoration event to honour the children who never returned home from Residential School, and the Survivors, their families and their communities.
“Honouring the Children” Event at Thorold Indigenous Unity Garden
On September 23, community members are invited to participate in a variety of interactive teachings, stories and workshops at the Thorold Indigenous Unity Garden, located at Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park. The sessions will honour and recognize the 94 Calls to Action set forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This Indigenous-led event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will begin with an Elder Circle at the Sacred fire led by Residential School Survivor and Elder Albert Choken, followed by scheduled sessions for the whole family that focus on sharing love to those who never returned home, the survivors and their families.
Sessions include:
- Sacred Fire will be lit. Everyone is invited to participate and experience the importance the Sacred Fire and traditional medicines holds for Indigenous Peoples – 9:30 a.m.
- Elder Circle with Albert Choken: Along with his helpers, he will share how he Survived Residential School – 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
- Seven Sacred Directions and Sound Bath with Audra and Raven – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Medicine Wheel Bracelet Workshop with April Mitchel-Boudreau – 12:30 to 1:15 p.m
- Paddles of the Grand Workshop with Gina Wilson McIntee – 12:00 and 1:30 p.m. Rock Painting – 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
- Create Your Own Orange T-Shirt with Michele-Elise Burnett – 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
- An artisan market will also be offered throughout the day and traditional food by Shannon Cotter will be served at 12:00 p.m. Community members are invited to register for workshops at https://tinyurl.com/Unity-Garden.
Special Commemoration at City Hall
The City will be joined by Kakekalanicks in hosting a special commemoration out front of City Hall on September 25, which will include traditional songs with Strong Water Singers Drum Group, guest speakers from the Indigenous community and the raising of the Every Child Matters flag. Community members are invited to attend the event at 10:00 a.m. and are encouraged to wear orange shirts.
The City will also illuminate City Hall orange from September 22 through to October 1, 2023.
Facility closures
City of Thorold administrative offices will be closed on September 29 to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Quotes
“Earlier this year, in partnership with Kakekalanicks, One Thorold and our Indigenous Community, the City proudly unveiled the Thorold Indigenous Unity Garden – Niagara’s first Indigenous outdoor classroom with ongoing programming and offerings. In the week leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we invite residents and community members to participate in the interactive workshops being offered at the Indigenous Unity Garden on September 23, and to join us for the special commemoration at City Hall on September 25. Initiatives such as these continue to demonstrate the City’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and to celebrating the values and richness of Indigenous culture in our Community.”
- Mayor Terry Ugulini
"Many people ask me, ‘how can we help move the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to action forward?’ This can be achieved by participating in immersive events like ‘Honouring the Children's Spirit’ at Thorold's Indigenous Unity Garden, by listening to Elders, Grandmothers, survivors, and their families' stories, and by reading the 94 Calls to action and seeing which ones you can put into action right away. If everyone in this country did just one of the Calls, we would be much closer to the brighter future we strive for together. The collaboration between the City of Thorold and Kakekalanicks exemplifies the kind of true partnership that is needed to create a stronger and more respectful cross-cultural future for our next Seven Generations. In this way, the City of Thorold is actively putting the TRC's 94 Calls to action."
- Michèle-Elise Burnett, President of Kakekalanicks
****************************
