Weekend for Truth and Reconciliation continues in the Sault
If the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was a look into the past, the following day of activities in its honour was about looking forward.
The first-of-its-kind event held by Indigenous Tourism Ontario brought in thousands to the Canal District, said Colleen Nolan, a resident of Garden River and an organizer of the festivities.
“Today is a celebration. A celebration of who we are, who we continue to be, what we bring to our culture, and that growing sense of pride. We have skirt makers here, earrings, a lot of great different things,” Nolan added.
Over 20 vendors were set up, selling a variety of items ranging from artwork to clothing. Other vendors were on hand showing the items that are significant to Indigenous culture.Many Indigenous vendors were on hand showing the items that are significant to First Nation culture. (Cory Nordstrom/CTV News Northern Ontario)Barbara Day, a member of Batchewana First Nation, spent part of her day teaching people about her and her ancestors’ way of life.
“It’s very important to share also the positive side, that we have a beautiful culture. And my theme that I chose today are the gifts that our people gave to the world,” Day told CTV News.
The event also had music and entertainment, something that Nolan says is crucial to Indigenous people.
“We have an honour song; we have a travelling song. There’s a lot of different songs that are all special to us, and have that purposeful meaning,” Nolan said.
She adds that the weekend was a huge success; in addition to the day's event, more than 2500 were in attendance for a drone show Friday night.
Because of this success, Nolan said, they will be holding a celebration again next year to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.