GRAND FALLS, September 30th, 2023 – In collaboration with the MAWIW Council, the Grand Falls Regional Municipality held a commemoration ceremony today as part of the Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Observed annually on September 30, it honours the experiences of Indigenous peoples who were impacted by the residential school system.
The community was invited to take part in a healing walk, wearing orange, and then participate in a ceremony with elders from the indigenous community to pay tribute to the survivors and to educate about the legacy of residential schools.
"I would like to thank the MAWIW Council for their invaluable collaboration in holding this community awareness event, which reminds us that we all have a role to play in building a more just and equitable society. I invite all our residents to reflect on what each of us can do to foster reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and to commit to a better understanding of the truth of our history," says Bertrand Beaulieu, Mayor of the Grand Falls Regional Municipality.
“Today is a day that affects not only indigenous people, but Canada has a whole. Recognition of our indigenous history is paramount, and Canada needs to do better, we all need to do better. Today seeing the openness of everyone here is a step in the right direction.”, stated Tara Levi, Executive Director, Mawiw Council Inc.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day serves as an opportunity for Canadians to acknowledge the devastating impact of residential schools and to commit to reconciliation efforts. The Council of the Grand Falls Regional Municipality has officially confirmed that the Day of Truth and Reconciliation is now recognized as a municipal holiday.
The municipality's administrative offices and non-essential services will be closed on October 2. Flags at all municipal facilities were lowered to half-mast late yesterday and will remain so until Monday morning. The falls will also be illuminated in orange tonight and tomorrow, to highlight the contribution and history of indigenous peoples to municipal employees and the community.
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Info and interview requests:
France Le Moignan, Economic Development & Marketing Director
(506) 740-1773 - communications@grandsault.ca
Tara Levi, Executive Director, MAWIW Council Inc.
506-424-1340
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