Steph Armstrong
Staff Reporter
PEMBROKE – On August 31, 2022, Council members and dignitaries, along with representatives from the Algonquin Pikwàkanagàn First Nations, Circle of Turtle Lodge, and local OPP officials gathered together on International Dr. in Pembroke for the unveiling of the County of Renfrew Reconciliation Garden – to honour and recognize the individual and collective rights of all people to dignity and respect; fundamental to our relationship with Indigenous communities.}
“We continue to be deeply and profoundly impacted by the discovery of the 250 Indigenous children in unmarked graves on the grounds of Kamloops residential school. Within the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the word residential appears 48 times, church 12 times, residential schools 21 times, children 25 times, survivors 12 times. In total, phrases linked to the children stolen from their families occurs 118 times.
As an upper tier government, we lead by example. This garden on public display is the first step. It can be a beacon of hope and healing, open to all people. It can grow; as will our relationship with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. This garden is a place to heal.
If you are already an online subscriber, CLICK HERE to access your subscription and read the full story.
If you wish to subscribe online, CLICK HERE, or you can pick up a copy of the September 7 Valley Gazette for the complete story.