A day of reflection and remembrance

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — Thursday, September 30 marked the first official Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, created to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities.

It is Canada’s newest federal statutory holiday, made through legislative amendments in June of this year.

For the Caldwell First Nation, the day was a time to come together and honour those victims and their families and reflect on what the future holds.

A group shot taken at Point Pelee with orange smoke bombs being set off in the background.

SUN photo

Carrie Ann Peters, who is the Culture and Language Coordinator for Caldwell First Nation, put together Taking Steps To Honour and Remember on September 30.

The event, which began at the Caldwell First Nation headquarters on Orange Street, involved a walk — complete with horseback participants — finished off with a community barbecue at Northwest Beach inside Point Pelee National Park.

At the barbecue, Caldwell members, friends and supporters gathered and enjoyed a sunny day on the beaches of their ancestral land. They had a sacred fire where they could offer tobacco and reflect on the Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Carrie Ann Peters was pleased with the turnout, which was well over 200 people for the walk.

“People came out of their homes as we walked by,” she said. “It was nice to see all the support.”

Caldwell Chief Mary Duckworth is flanked by riders Michelle Stein (left) and Sarah Parks prior to the walk to honour Indigenous children on Thursday, September 30.

Photo courtesy of Chief Mary Duckworth

The group marched from Dieppe Park all the way to Westmoreland Street and back.

“We were so pleased, seeing the high school kids stop to honour us,” said Carrie Ann.

Recently re-elected Caldwell Chief Mary Duckworth was equally impressed with the community support.

“The response has been wonderful today,” said Duckworth. “We were impressed with the amount of people that showed up.”

The Caldwell First Nation wrapped up the weekend with a Sisters in Spirit vigil on Monday, October 4 at the headquarters. They were there to reflect and remember missing Indigenous women.

The Caldwell flag flies beside the Every Child Matters flag at Point Pelee on September 30.

SUN photo