Round Dance held in Melfort for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The drum group Lightning Horse provided the heartbeat of Monday’s round dance, and afterward those attending walked through downtown Melfort.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

Syndel Thomas Kosar was the guest speaker at Monday’s event.

They were born and raised in Melfort, but have ties to James Smith Cree Nation and other areas. Syndel is a well-known local artist, and is part of several groups in the region, including Melfort Arts Council and Reconciliation Melfort. They said they care deeply about the ways we can all grow together.

“Reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. We all share this land, we all benefit from living and breathing this air, drinking the water,” they said.

Syndel spoke to the crowd about how they had close relatives, including her grandparents and mother, that are residential school or day school survivors. Syndal was the first generation not to be forced into a similar fate. It’s important to recognize the Truth side of Truth and Reconciliation.

“It’s not ancient history, it’s something that we still live with day-to-day, it’s something that kids live with,” Syndal explained. “Intergenerational trauma is real, so it’s making sure that we acknowledge the legacy that colonialism has had on our land.”

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

Syndal also said that they had been followed around stores in Melfort and were made to feel uncomfortable in the past due to being visibly Indigenous. However, they are hopeful and grateful for events like the celebration held on Monday.

“We are moving forward,” they said. “Let’s keep building on that momentum.”

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

Syndal added that reconciliation isn’t just about one month, or wearing orange shirts on one day of the year. They said there are a lot of ways to get involved in the Melfort area, including joining Reconciliation Melfort, getting in touch with the Marguerite Riel Centre, or visiting the Melfort Museum’s Indigenous Archaeology building.

“It is genuine action that we all have the responsibility to make.”

–

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Round Dance held in Melfort for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

What's Trending