Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

By Kaniehtonkie.

The second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was observed throughout Canada, the United States and throughout both, First Nations leading the way. Whereas, the first Truth and Reconciliation Day in 2020 was marked with somber and heart wrenching memorials – this year's T & R Day in Ottawa was focused on our youth, with hope and resolve as our anger has turned to determined resilience.

Supporters heard from familiar speakers in Ottawa, but they also heard young singers and even younger speakers on a day billed as "A Children Led Event". Eagle feathers were once again presented to residential school survivors, their families, and supporters at the beginning of the day.

Several Akwesasronon were present to accept an eagle feather on behalf of their parents who attended Thomas Indian School as a young girl. One said its still difficult for her mother to attend events like these – even years later, it's too disturbing for her mother to think of her time at Thomas Indian School.

Anishinaabe (Algonquin) Elder Claudette Commanda spoke of how the day is a moment for Canadians to listen and reflect on their history, "It's a day for you Canadians to listen, to learn, to understand, to have it in your heart and in your spirit to feel the beauty of Indigenous people, the strength and resilience of survivors, but to learn history."

Mohawk Bear Clan Mother, Louise Herne said, "We meet with the Indigenous Service Minister, retracing our history and reminding him of where we are at. And trying to address the futility of the future of those generations who still suffer the residual effects of what happened in this country."

But it was the young singers and speaker from the Anishinaabe Nation and Mohawk Nation that gave everyone hope for the future, a future determined by our own. The presence of three groups of elementary school age children who spoke and sang in their own language, on the same grounds that officials once ordered our children to be sent away from everything they knew, some never to return home.

Children from the Kitigan Zibi and Pikwanagan schools recited their opening prayer and sang a traditional song. Children from the Akwesasne Freedom School recited the Ohonton Kariwentekwen and sang the Round Dance song while supporters of AFS joined into dance.

With hundreds of supporters on Parliament Hill, many had come together to mark the dark history of Canada's past. For many, recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation does not make it easier the second time around.

Kitigan Zibi Elder Claudette Commanda addresses residential school survivors, their families, and supports at the seconds annual Truth and Reconciliation Day in Ottawa.

In Akwesasne, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Community Advocacy Program and the Seven Dancers Coalition held an "Every Child Matters Day" event "to honor and remember the victims and survivors of the residential school system." Held at Generations Park's Tewathahitha Walking Trail residential school survivors, their families and supporters took part in a variety of activities to bring awareness and to educate the public of the real story of residential schools.

The event included a walk around the trail, a lacrosse medicine game, and a social dance.

Chief Ron Lafrance Jr. read the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's, "Every Child Matters Day" Tribal Council Resolution. Tribal Chief Beverly Cook offered words of encouragement and support to residential school survivors and their families, as each one of us were affected by one hundred and twenty-five years of operational residential schools and in turn, its generational trauma.