Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park was filled Monday, Sept. 30 to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Hundreds of people, most of them wearing orange, ringed the bandshell for a series of presentations and performances.
These included remarks from Lheidli T’enneh Elder Darlene McIntosh and Chief Dolleen Logan
McIntosh reminded the crowd that the bandshell stands on the land her people have called home for 9,000 years.
The event began with several residential school survivors who joined drummers on stage.
Two survivors later shared their stories, as did singer-songwriter Joel West, who also performed.
At 2:15 p.m., the gathering observed five minutes of silent reflection about the children lost to residential schools and the survivors who made it home. The time was meant to reflect the 215 graves found in Kamloops, a discovery that was crucial to the Truth and Reconciliation process.
The event also included a healing community round dance.
