Images from the IRS TRC’s first national gathering
June 17, 2010
The first day of the IRS TRC’s first national gathering was long. It started at sunrise for the lighting of the sacred fire ceremony and ended just before midnight with amazing musical performances from Buffy St. Marie and Blue Rodeo, among others.
The first day’s events were a reminder of how much there is to work through, about the challenges facing the process of reconciliation, as well as the hope that comes with embarking on this path. I am continually humbled by the strength of the survivors and others who have told their stories (and by those who have not), and their families. I hope to write more about the event, but for now, here are a few of images from the first day of the national gathering in Winnipeg.
After the lighting of the sacred fire. It will continue to burn throughout the event.
Four directions drum calling including the four nations: red, yellow, black, white. The above drummers are originally from Mozambique and Sudan.
Chief Robert Joseph giving an inspirational speech during the welcome ceremony.
A few of the estimated 20,000 people who attending the free evening concert. Amazing.
An image of Blue Rodeo, Buffy Sainte-Marie and surprise guest, Elijah Harper, holding his feather. A great moment.
June 20, 2010 at 5:01 am
Naomi! This is awesome. Thanks for sharing – great pictures.
I can’t wait to catch up and hear about this event.
xx
j.
June 23, 2010 at 12:23 am
Thanks, Jamie! Yes, let’s catch up soon.
xx,
naomi
September 7, 2010 at 3:23 pm
[...] to Portage la Prairie. Located just an hour or so outside of Winnipeg, I spent a day there after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s first national event. While in Portage la Prairie, I visited a former residential school that is now being used as [...]
April 17, 2011 at 6:46 pm
La plonge/English River First Nation is hosting ‘closure’ to a series of gatherings that were held in 1999, 2000, and 2001 for IRS
We have recently established a committee, and will be hosting closure on July 09, 10, 11, 12th, 2011 in the La plonge reserve, Beauval, Sask.
Chief Ralph Paul *ERFN @ 306-396-2066 has been very instrumental in the closure, and is a survivor of IRS. We would like to gain additional insight to support, and also request specific internal support from speakers, or other entertainment ideas we could utilize during our IRS Gathering in Beauval, Sask.
Please contact La plonge committee members at Beauval, Sask. 306-288-4417 and speak to Isidore Campbell – IRS COordinator so we can attain any other ideas of programming during the development stages of IRS Closure we are doing for our region (Saskatchewan)
Your contact or support would be beneficial
Thank you
April 17, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Thank you Mervin Mcintyre for posting this information here. It would be great to hear more about these closure gatherings as they approach. Please keep me posted on developments with these events. I’m happy to share information about them on the blog.
Best,
Naomi