Chief Greg Nadjiwon's personal pain is clear as he speaks of his late mother, taken from her parents and forced to not only learn a new language in order to communicate, but to reject her people's culture, traditions and history: "She was five."

"Truth is not an easy subject."

The words of Chief Greg Nadjiwon, of the community of Neyaashiinigmiing, were clear in the stilled air.

"Reconciliation is not an easy task."

A people's sorrow and pain were also clear, the legacy of plundered land and stolen children, the imposition of grief by conquest.

Chief Nadjiwon spoke deliberately and calmly, and he made it plain:

"There can be no reconciliation until the children are at rest."

Truth and Reconciliation Day observed in Nawash Park on the banks of the Pottawatomi River on the Saugeen Peninsula, in the city of Owen Sound.

Ken Albert and Colleen Purdon help lead the ceremonies at  the Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden. Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie, below, speaks as Grey County Warden Brian Milne, left, back to camera, listens along with the more than 100 gathered.

Grandmother Sturgeon adorned with colourful ribbons, above. Firekeeper Ken Albert attends to the sacred tasks, below.

Elder Shirley John and Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy Saturday morning. More than 100 community members shared the ceremony and fire.

Nawash Park is the official name of the popular west bank of the Pottawatomi River. New signage for Kelso Beach was unveiled before the Truth and Reconciliation ceremony.

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– by Hub staff
David Galway