Students and employees of Georgian College marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Thursday by placing orange rocks along the newly named Truth and Reconciliation Trail at the Orillia campus to remember the lives lost at residential schools in Canada.
Painted rocks were left at the beginning of the trail so those who couldn’t attend the event could place a rock at a later time, reflect on lives lost and their role in reconciliation.
Earlier in the week, people gathered to paint the rocks orange in preparation for today’s ceremony.
“The naming of the trail on our campus as the Truth and Reconciliation Trail is an opportunity for our community to move reconciliation forward through education, shared responsibility and action,” said Mary Louise Noce, Dean, Human Services and Community Safety.
“Each rock that we painted orange represents a child’s life lost and the placing of the rock on the campus trail memorializes and commemorates the painful legacy and serves to create opportunities for ongoing and continuous learning.”
Mercedes Jacko, Orillia Campus Indigenous Student Advisor, led employees and students in a Circle after the rocks were placed along the trail.
“The Circle provided space for participants to share their truths, stories and intentions moving forward in reconciliation,” said Jacko.
There was also a ‘community event’ in Orillia today.
This is a special day. We have a long way to go + making the most out the 1st #NationalDayforTruthandReconciliation is imperative. Take time to educate yourself + to reflect on Indigenous issues such as the legacy of #ResidentialSchools
— Steve Clarke (@Clarke4Orillia) September 30, 2021
Inspiring turn out in @cityoforillia pic.twitter.com/lWn80tay7C
About 200 people, many wearing orange shirts, gathered in front of the Orillia Opera House at noon before walking, together, down Mississaga Street to Couchiching Beach Park where a ceremony took place.
There were special speakers, drumming, an honour song and jingle dancers in addition to a group round dance.
A sacred fire was also lit at the Orillia Native Women’s Group facility on Matchedash Street.
Earlier in the day, staff at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital welcomed Rama First Nation Chief Ted Williams and other dignitaries to an outdoor Healing Circle.
