Lincoln, ON – (September 16, 2024) – Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools and the survivors who carry the weight of their experiences, along with their families and communities. Public commemoration of this tragic and painful history, and the ongoing impacts of residential schools, is a vital step in Lincoln and Canada’s journey toward reconciliation.
In partnership with the Niagara Regional Native Centre, the Town of Lincoln, Lincoln Pelham Public Library and Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA invite you to join us for Walking Together: Steps Toward Reconciliation— a community event dedicated to reflection, learning, and fostering solidarity as we walk together on the path toward healing and reconciliation.
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Fleming Centre, 5020 Serena Drive, Beamsville
Cost: Free
Please consider bringing a food donation for the Niagara Regional Native Centre. Items needed include cereal, peanut butter, juice boxes, rice, canned goods (pasta, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish).
Monetary donations can also be made at nrnc.ca/donate.
Join us in honouring the children lost to residential schools and supporting survivors in our community by participating in this meaningful event.
Event Highlights:
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The event will begin with a Land Acknowledgment and the raising of the Every Child Matters flag at the Fleming Centre. This will be followed by Indigenous singing, drumming, and shared reflections. A 1.3 km community walk will take place afterward to promote understanding, solidarity, and shared responsibility on the journey toward reconciliation.
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
After the walk, engage in educational activities such as the Moccasin Identifier project, medicine wheel teachings, and beading workshops led by Mika Woolley (Mohawk) from Indigenous Dreams.
Please wear orange to show your support for the Every Child Matters movement. Orange shirts are available at local retailers or through the Orange Shirt Society website.
Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle; a filling station will be available at the Fleming Centre.
Let’s walk together, reflect together, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
Hosted by: Town of Lincoln, Lincoln Pelham Public Library, Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA, in collaboration with the Niagara Regional Native Centre
For more information, visit lincoln.ca/2024CommunityWalk.