SWIFT CURRENT, SK – The Truth and Reconciliation Committee, in partnership with the Southwest Multicultural Association is proud to host its third Truth and Reconciliation event on May 14. This year’s event will focus on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the effects on Indigenous families and Canadian society.
The event will begin at the Great Plains College gymnasium at 9:30 a.m. and the morning will feature a presentation from a First Nation Elder/Knowledge Keeper, keynote addresses from Darlene Okemaysim Sicotte, co-chair of grassroots organization Women Walking Together, and R.C.M.P. member Karen D. Pelletier, a pictorial history of the residential school movement and reconciliation efforts with an emphasis on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and Indigenous drumming and singing.
“We ran the first Truth and Reconciliation event in 2017 and it was so well received that the Truth and Reconciliation Committee was formed to plan this annual event and to ultimately promote reconciliation and prosperity for all Canadians,” said Bula Ghosh of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
The morning event will conclude with a march to Market Square where participants will be invited to carry placards representing Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), and to wear red shirts as a mark of solidarity in support of the missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Upon arrival at Market Square, the TRC’s recommendations will be read aloud to generate awareness. Bannock and Bison stew will be served for lunch.
“A Canada-wide survey found that 30 per cent of people in the prairie provinces were not aware of residential schools,” added Ghosh. “The goal of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee is to create awareness in our community on this important history and the TRC’s Calls to Action, and to promote respectful discussion and action that will lead to healthier and more prosperous communities and relationships.”
The day will conclude with an evening presentation by Darlene Okemaysim Sicotte and Elder Cecile Blanke at Swift Current Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This presentation is open to the public.
The Truth and Reconciliation Committee would like to thank its members and sponsors for making this event possible, including Southwest Multicultural Association, Living Sky Casino, Chinook School Division, Great Plains College, Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre, Chinook Regional Library, Innovation Credit Union, Kiwanis, City of Swift Current, Sask Culture, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, Pharmasave, Saskatchewan Health Authority and Tim Hortons.
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact:
Amy Masse – marketing and communications coordinator, Great Plains College
Phone: (306) 778-5498
Cell: (306) 737-6107
Email