Effects of residential schools, truth and reconciliation discussed at Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day in Regina
Thousands of students, local leaders and members of the public are packed into Mosaic Stadium for Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day, an event discussing residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.
Organizers estimate there were more than 12,000 people listening to the messages at the stadium on Thursday morning, with the majority students from across southern Saskatchewan.
(Allison Bamford/CTV News)
The organizers added they believe this is the largest gathering in Canada to ever come together for truth and reconciliation.
Governor General of Canada Mary Simon addressed the crowd on Thursday morning, beginning by expressing her condolences to James Smith Cree Nation.
She told the students they all have a role to play in reconciliation.
“Education is the key to reconciliation. We must learn about each other to reach out to different cultures: Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike,” Simon said.
“It is our shared responsibility to record and teach the true history of Canada. Keep building, keep expanding the circle.”
Governor General Mary Simon addresses Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day in Regina. (Gareth Dillistone/CTV News)
Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme told the students it’s important to continue to recognize reconciliation every day – not just on the specially marked holidays.
“Indigenous people, we don’t want pity, we don’t want anybody to feel sorry for our history. We all inherited this, but when you inherit something you have a responsibility to do something about it,” Delorme said.
“Lets not just identify truth and reconciliation on September 30th or June 21st, lets do it one day at a time.”
Miyo-wîcîwitowin means reconciliation in Cree – roughly translated to "walking in a good way together."
Before the event wrapped, Regina mayor Sandra Masters unveiled a lasting tribute: the seat of truth.
The single orange seat, located in section 531 just below one of screens at Mosaic Stadium, will serve as a “permanent visual reminder of the truth that must be told so the actions of reconciliation can be advanced,” Masters said.
The seat will remain empty and unsold in honour of the children who never made it back from residential schools.
“You can’t unsee it,” Masters said.
“Every time that screen is looked at, and it’s looked at often, you’ll see the orange chair and it’s meant to remind us that we can’t forget.”
The seat of truth at Mosaic Stadium is pictured. (Allison Bamford/CTV News)
Royal Canadian Air Force jets performed a flyby over Mosaic Stadium during the event. The planes were in a missing man formation, to honour the children who never made it home from residential schools.
Organizers called the event a success. They said they will take time to reflect on the day before considering what any future events could look like.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.