‘We want everybody to come out’

Monday is the start of Truth and Reconciliation Week in Brandon — and activities at the Riverbank Discovery Centre will include a new event showcasing Indigenous traditional clothing, beading and music.

Six days have been set aside for people to come together and honour the generations of survivors who were impacted by the residential school system, but it’s also about education, says Natashia Marion, one of the event organizers.

“It really becomes a time of shared learning and reflection for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. We‘re creating these spaces to listen, learn and grow together,” said Marion, who is the Indigenous community co-ordinator with Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council. “When you’re trying to share your knowledge, you need people there to share your knowledge with. So we want everybody to come out, anytime they can.”

The first event of the week will be held Monday morning at Brandon City Hall with the hoisting of the survivors’ flag, followed by a ceremony and the mayor’s proclamation.

Later that afternoon, six tipis will be raised on the east end of the Riverbank Discovery Centre, which will be the centre of all the activities.

Monday evening features fiddle music, singing, dancing and teaching with members of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

Tuesday is National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It starts at 7 a.m. with a sunrise pipe ceremony and sacred fire lighting with elder Frank Tacan and knowledge keeper Tim Bone.

At noon, the Orange Shirt Day Walk follows a route from the Riverbank Discovery Centre to the former Residential School site and back, which is about seven kilometres.

“We walk to commemorate and honour our survivors,” Marion said.

“And I am seeing a stronger, more connected community because of the walk and the week for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.”

An Indigenous artists’ market will be set up on the grounds and food will always be available, said Marion, whether it’s purchased from the Indigenous Eats food truck, free bannock or lunch provided by the Brandon Friendship Centre.

“Truth and Reconciliation Week is a public, culturally safe space to come and ask questions. Please don’t be shy,” Marion said.

“All we ask is that during ceremonies people have respect like you would in a church, or like you would at your school.”

Additional events scheduled for Tuesday afternoon include Healing by the River with the Rolling Thunder drummers and a grand entry.

“That’s our most visual,” Marion said. “People are invited to join the grand entry. We want everybody there.”

The blanket exercise is one of the heavier sessions, Marion said. It’s an interactive workshop using blankets on the ground to represent the land of Canada. They are gradually removed to symbolize the impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples.

Wednesday features Brandon School Division outdoor programming and full moon teachings with knowledge keeper Debbie Huntinghawk.

A new light-hearted event is scheduled for Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Fusion Credit Union amphitheatre.

After much brainstorming about creating an event that had a working name of Regalia Runway, the organizing committee decided on IndigiVibe Night, said Shannon Saltarelli, assistant co-ordinator for Truth and Reconciliation Week.

“The whole idea is to have people come in their apparel. We want them to come and showcase their style and clothing,” Saltarelli said.

“Whether it’s their traditional ribbon skirts, beaded jewelry, in their regalia or in their modern, contemporary clothing by an Indigenous artist — whatever their Indigivibe is, we want to see it,” she said.

Saltarelli has lined up entertainment for the evening, including Julianna Moore, who recently performed on “Canada’s Got Talent,” and local country singer Jesse R. Genaille.

“We want to have an evening that’s a little more upbeat while also rooted in tradition and learning, but something that’s going to be enjoyable for people to feel welcome to come to,” Saltarelli said.

Closing ceremonies will be held Friday at 5 p.m., followed by a feast provided by Brandon Friendship Centre’s Ask Auntie program.

There are two events scheduled for next Saturday in conjunction with Truth and Reconciliation Week.

The Sisters in Spirit petal ceremony and pancake breakfast is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Riverbank Centre.

Canoes and kayaks push off from Dinsdale Park at 1 p.m. for Pulling Together, where members of the Indigenous community and Brandon Police Service show solidarity and support.

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

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