Yesterday's Truth & Reconciliation event at Frost Park was a moving one. The event was well-attended, and those who came out were fortunate to be part of a special day that offered powerful messages.
The afternoon was co-hosted by Melanie Robinson of Acadia First Nation and Mayor Pam Mood. Featured speakers included Dr. Viola Robinson, Former Commissioner for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Joe B. Marshall, retired professor Mi'kmaw Studies, UCB and residential school survivor, and Mi'kmaq artist Ed Benham. Sincere thanks and gratitude goes out to these special guests and Acadia First Nation for walking alongside us as we work towards reconciliation.
Thank you to each person who took the time to attend, making the day a memorable one.
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A beautiful handmade Mi'kmaw Friendship Bench, built and donated by local craftsman James Colquhoun. Mi'kmaw artist Ed Benham added hieroglyphs and petroglyphs, along with the Acadia First Nation emblem. The bench will soon find a permanent home in Frost Park.
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Mi'Kmaw Friendship Bench
Engravings in the bench are the amazing work of Mi'Kmaw artist Ed Benham.
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Melanie Robinson of Acadia First Nation and Mi'Kmaw artist Ed Benham.
Melanie Robinson-Purdy of Acadia First Nation and Mi'Kmaw artist Ed Benham.
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Co-hosts Mayor Pam Mood and Melanie Robinson-Purdy.
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Melanie Robinson, Community Enhancement Development Officer, Acadia First Nation.
Melanie Robinson-Purdy, Community Enhancement Development Officer, Acadia First Nation.
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Dr. Viola Robinson, Former Commissioner for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples
Dr. Viola Robinson, Former Commissioner for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples delivered powerful message to remember.
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Dr. Viola Robinson, Former Commissioner for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and Joe B. Marshall, retired professor Mi'kmaw Studies, UCB and residential school survivor
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Joe B. Marshall, retired professor Mi'kmaw Studies, UCB and residential school survivor
Joe B. Marshall, retired professor Mi'kmaw Studies, UCB and residential school survivor offered attendess his own personal stories and experiences as a residential school survivor.
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Ed Benham, Melanie Robinson, and Mayor Pam Mood unveiling the Mi'kmaw Friendship Bench that will find a home in Frost Park.
Ed Benham, Melanie Robinson-Purdy, and Mayor Pam Mood unveiling the Mi'kmaw Friendship Bench that will find a home in Frost Park.
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Mi'Kmaw artist Ed Benham.
Mi'Kmaw artist Ed Benham.
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Attendees were invited to post a symbolic orange heart on a Truth & Reconciliation "t-shirt". The shirt will become a fixture in future Truth & Reconciliation Day events.
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A beautiful handmade Mi'kmaw Friendship Bench, built and donated by local craftsman James Colquhoun. Mi'kmaw artist Ed Benham added hieroglyphs and petroglyphs, along with the Acadia First Nation emblem. The bench will soon find a permanent home in Frost Park.
Engravings in the bench are the amazing work of Mi'Kmaw artist Ed Benham.
Melanie Robinson-Purdy of Acadia First Nation and Mi'Kmaw artist Ed Benham.
Co-hosts Mayor Pam Mood and Melanie Robinson-Purdy.
Melanie Robinson-Purdy, Community Enhancement Development Officer, Acadia First Nation.
Dr. Viola Robinson, Former Commissioner for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples delivered powerful message to remember.
Dr. Viola Robinson, Former Commissioner for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and Joe B. Marshall, retired professor Mi'kmaw Studies, UCB and residential school survivor
Joe B. Marshall, retired professor Mi'kmaw Studies, UCB and residential school survivor offered attendess his own personal stories and experiences as a residential school survivor.
Ed Benham, Melanie Robinson-Purdy, and Mayor Pam Mood unveiling the Mi'kmaw Friendship Bench that will find a home in Frost Park.
Mi'Kmaw artist Ed Benham.
Attendees were invited to post a symbolic orange heart on a Truth & Reconciliation "t-shirt". The shirt will become a fixture in future Truth & Reconciliation Day events.