Flying Dust First Nation is set to host a day-long healing ceremony in honour of the survivors residential schools and those who didn't make it home. (Elliott Knopp/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Healing Ceremonies

FDFN hosting ceremonies on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 29, 2021 | 3:46 PM

On a day meant for healing and learning, Flying Dust First Nation is hosting a public gathering to facilitate the process and bring the community together.

Thursday marks the first time Canada will observe its new federal statutory holiday, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Many people across the nation will be granted time off from work to reflect on the impact of the residential school system and honour Indigenous survivors and the deceased.

In Flying Dust First Nation, the community will come together at the powwow grounds to engage in prayer, ceremonies and other cultural traditions to help with healing and honour those affected.

The event features a panel of speakers highlighted by emcee Richard Derocher, Mayor Merlin Seymour and several others who will speak on the impact these schools have had.

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Event organizer Vince Kytwayhat said having a national day of recognition demonstrates progress made for people to develop a better understanding of hardships inflicted onto Indigenous people through the system.

“It means that people are finally acknowledging it, learning that perspective,” he said.

“As long as everybody respects what’s happening, it’ll begin the healing journey for some people. Everybody still has feelings about it, but we’re hoping and praying that they’ll start forgiving.”

The day will start out with a pipe ceremony led by Elder Charles Robinson in the morning.

Following the ceremony, a noon lunch will be provided by Meadow Lake Chrysler, the Royal Canadian Legion #76, the Northwest Friendship Centre, OSB, Tolko Industries and Transition Place Education Centre.

Grand entry is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. which will immediately lead into the remaining slate of planned events for the day. Towards the evening, a candle light vigil will be held for the “Every Child Matters” movement.

Kytwayhat said the event is open to Meadow Lake residents as well. He added having both of the connected communities together would further help the healing process

“We have a few championship dancers and some singers, so hopefully they all come out and listen to the drummers giving the heartbeat of Mother Earth and watch them local dancers and hopefully lift their spirits up,” he said.

“This truly helped me out when I was younger. Dancing on the dance floor, listening to the powwow drum, it truly lifted my spirit and helped me cope with my stresses.”

“Hopefully it will be a good turnout and people enjoy themselves.”

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp