Saturday event in Spanish, Ont., to honour residential school victims
Three First Nations in northern Ontario are taking part in a daylong event Saturday to honour victims of residential schools.
Called 'Nojomowinaan Ginishnaabewinanig ~ Healing Our People,' the event will take place at the Spanish River Marina, the sit Site of the former Spanish River Residential School.
"The leadership of Sagamok Anishnawbek, Serpent River and Mississauga First Nations invite you to this one-day event to remember our young children who perished during the residential school era," said a social media post announcing the vent.
Elder Richard Assinewa will lead ceremonies, which begin at 6:30 a.m. with a sunrise ceremony "to start a day of healing circles and ceremonies," the post said.
"Sweatlodge will be available throughout the day for those who wish to attend. There will be support in place to help those who wish to seek extra help."
COVID-19 protocols will be in place for everyone's safety, organizers said, and attendees are encourage to bring their own lawn chairs.
"If you have sacred items, please bring them for the talking/Healing Circles," the post said. "Breakfast, lunch and supper is being provided for up to 100 people."
No registration required.
Schedule of events:
- 6:30 a.m.: Sunrise ceremony, Sharing Circle. Sacred Fire to run all day for tobacco offerings led by Richard Assinewea.
- 8 a.m.: Breakfast.
- 9 a.m.: Sweatlodge on site for those who wish to attend mixed sweat led by Richard Assinewea.
- 9 a.m.: Sharing circle with leadership discussing, 'Children of residential school and what can be done to heal our Anishnawbek Nation.'
- 10:30 a.m.: Break—healthy snack.
- 11 a.m.: Continuation of sharing circle with leadership.
- Noon: Feast. Each chief of the respective communities will do food offering on behalf of all the children and communities.
- 1 p.m.: Sweatlodge. Mixed sweat led by Wayne Southwind.
- 1 p.m.: Healing circle.
- 2:30 p.m.: Break—healthy snack.
- 4:30 p.m.: Closing remarks by leadership for the day.
- 4:30 p.m.: Helpers sweat done by Leroy Bennett.
- 5 p.m.: End of the day Supper.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.