Events were held across the region today to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
In Owen Sound, many gathered at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park Saturday morning to commemorate the day.
The Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden Committee event started at 10 a.m. and attendees heard from the Indigenous community including from Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Greg Nadjiwon, who spoke about the impacts of residential schools.
A sacred fire was lit and a pipe ceremony was also held.
Local dignitaries were also present, including Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy, Grey County Warden Brian Milne, and Grey County CAO Kim Wingrove.
“I think it is very important to be here because we all need to learn, there is so much to learn, at least I have so much to learn, and I think it is important we all be here to observe and actively learn,” says Milne.
Wingrove adds she also felt it was important to gather and recognize the importance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“I think it is really important for everyone in our community to come together on this really important day to really reflect and to show our respect to honour the families and to think about not only what happened in the past but also what we want to have happen in the future,” says Wingrove.
Prior to the event, Boddy gave an address at the entrance of the park where he official unveiled the new name for the park, Kelso Beach at Nawash Park.
Owen Sound had officially changed the name of Kelso Beach Park to Kelso Beach at Nawash Park in July, despite already referring to the westside waterfront property by the name since 2018, but it’s legal name had not been updated.
Boddy says it was nice to officially unveil the sign as part of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Each little step that we can take in our road to reconciliation is good, so this is a small step but meaningful,” says Boddy. “It is recognizing the history that has been here for a long time.”
Elder Shirley John says she is grateful to see the new sign.
“It is really great that we are moving forward with many things,” says Elder John.
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation also held a fall festival at Cape Croker Park from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to mark the day.