Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today, our community marked Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

We heard stories of the harms done by the Indian Residential School System and how they have crossed generations. We heard stories of how the Mi’kmaq people supported some of the earliest European settlers after they arrived in our region, and we learned of efforts that are now helping not only to preserve indigenous traditions locally, but to share the Mi’kmaq culture with the broader community.

Reconciliation is not something that will be achieved overnight, but continued acts like today’s ceremony that acknowledge our history and that broaden our understanding of its impact on indigenous communities will allow us to move forward together in a manner that will help heal the wounds of our nation’s past, and those which continue today.

Thank to all who joined, and to local artist Marcus English in particular, for his incredible sculpture that now sits on the Pictou waterfront and commemorates our region’s history.

Wela’lioq