The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is set for Monday, Sept. 30 and ceremonies will take place to acknowledge the occasion in Prince George at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park from 2 to 4 p.m.
Lheidli T’enneh Elder Darlene McIntosh offers guidance to those who wish to do their part in efforts of reconciliation to First Nations people in Canada.
“'Truth and Reconciliation' is a beautiful phrase,” McIntosh said. “We have evaded the truth for many, many years about residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, the finding of the 215 graves in Kamloops that just shocked the world. Those are all uncomfortable truths. But we have to talk about them. In talking about it we have an understanding and awareness.”
There are many things you can do as an ally, McIntosh added.
“Come to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on Sept. 30, and wear your orange,” McIntosh advised.
“When you wear your orange, that tells me that you are an ally. I know people are so afraid to say something that might offend or that they’re not doing the right thing. Well, how do we learn if we’re not making mistakes? And you won’t be offending anybody. At least you’re making the effort to be part of the solution, right?”
McIntosh said we need to be uncomfortable and, more importantly, we need to understand.
“And that’s how we move forward,” she added.
“We become part of the solution.”
Making ourselves vulnerable enough to ask questions is an important part of it, she added.
“Then you can reach an understanding to become an ally to First Nations people,” McIntosh said. “I have seen fantastic changes. I have seen a shift of energy. I’ve seen the shift of people being OK with being uncomfortable when learning of our history.”
Land acknowledgements are also important as a sign of respect.
“That shows an understanding for the people who have been on this land forever,” McIntosh said. “We are in the beginning of fixing it.”
Respect goes a long way in the healing process.
“Because on this Earth plane we are all one,” McIntosh said. “And that includes our beautiful environment, which gives us everything we need. We have to respect all forms of life. We journey together as we walk through truth and reconciliation.”
National Day of Truth & Reconciliation also known as Orange Shirt Day is also a time to remember the children lost in residential schools.
“It’s a time to be open and accept what has happened in the past,” McIntosh said. “It’s a part of history that can’t be changed. But in the future we can make it better for those Indigenous lives that have been affected by the trauma of the past. And this is what truth and reconciliation is about. We are now changing the future that recognizes the past.”
The schedule for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, Sept. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park includes an elder traditional welcome, the drumming in of survivors and inter-generational survivors, a moment of reflection, grounding with McIntosh, a welcome by Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan and survivors sharing their stories.
There will be a community round dance and jingle dress and pow wow dancers will follow. The ceremony will close with the We Are Still Here celebration.
