‘Impacts still felt today’ Georgina honours Truth and Reconciliation Day with ceremony

Georgina honours Truth and Reconciliation Day with smudging ceremony

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 4, 2022
Amanda Persico

Georgina honoured national Truth and Reconciliation Day with a flag raising and smudging ceremony.

Sept. 30 is also Orange Shirt Day is also in honour of residential school survivors, their families and communities.

“The impacts are still felt today,” said Mackenzie Frosch of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.

“The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of family, loss of worth and loss of identity.”

Several dozen residents donning orange shirts attended the ceremony, and many left with copies of the Calls to Action established by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Listed there are actions the federal, provincial and municipal government, along with individuals, can make on the journey toward reconciliation.

Cultural adviser and traditional Indigenous signer Jared Big Canoe led the ceremony with two traditional songs -- ‘Flag Song’ specifically for the national day for Truth and Reconciliation and ‘Honour Song’ dedicated to residential school survivors, their families and their communities.

“It’s a hard subject to talk about,” Big Canoe said.

Big Canoe also explained the importance of smudging.

“It’s like giving your spirit a shower,” he said. “It helps reset your energy.”

The smoke goes over your head, followed by passing the smoke over your eyes, ears and heart, washing away the negativity.

For more information or to read the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, visit nctr.ca.