Hundreds of people gathered today at the Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden, on the traditional hunting and fishing grounds of the Nawash people, now known as the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.

To honour the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, they first listened to the pipe carrier and knowledge keeper around the Sacred Fire, then respectfully lined up to enter the centre of the circle and make offerings of tobacco and prayers. Participants remembered both the children who were lost and the survivors of Indian Residential Schools, and the work of reconciliation ahead.

A Sacred Fire was held earlier at the M'Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre, and events for learning, listening and commemoration took place at schools, workplaces and public spaces throughout the region.