Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is taking place Thursday and communities across the country are preparing to mark the day with virtual and in-person events.

 

Locally, Pictou Landing First Nation will be honoring and remembering all those who attended Residential Schools at an event planned for Wednesday, September 29th, beginning at 11am at the IRS Memorial, located in front of the Health Centre.  It is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.  Organizers ask that if you do plan to attend – to wear a mask, practice social distancing and wear orange if you are able.

 

The town of Pictou says there will be two very special activities taking place on the Pictou Waterfront to acknowledge and commemorate the intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused to Indigenous families and communities, and to honour those who have been affected by this injustice.  Visit the waterfront and share this day of reflection and recognition with your community:

On Thursday, September 30th there will be a sidewalk painting event from 3-5pm on Caladh Avenue in Pictou. 

People are invited to paint an orange heart or a white feather as a symbol of remembrance for those who never returned from Residential Schools.  The town says the sidewalk of acknowledgement will be on Caladh Ave. between Depot and Creighton Streets.

There will also be a free musical showcase happening at the Pictou Waterfront Marina Stage Thursday starting at 5pm.

Performers include Morgan Toney, a Mi’qmaq fiddler from We’koqma’q First Nation, and is a Music Ambassador for the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund. He has played at Celtic Colours and alongside Ashley MacIsaac, and wrote songs with Keith Mullins, another ECMA winner.  Morgan will be joined by guitarist and producer Keith Mullins and pianist/vocalist Isabella Sampson, and Jessie Cox on guitar – collectively known as Barn Bhreagh.