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
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.