September 30, 2023
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
👉September 30, 2023
⏰12 pm to 4 pm
đź’˛Free
Join the RCMP Heritage Centre in honouring the children who never returned home from Residential Schools, as well as honouring the survivors and their families and communities. From 12 pm to 4 pm we will have a range of free activities suitable for the whole family.
- Sculpting with Lyndon Tootoosis
- Learn about the Indian Residential School Memorial Monument created by Stanley Hunt
- Activity story walk with “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt” by author Phyllis Webstad
- Explore The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map
- Make your own unique Every Child Matters button
- Enter to win the book “When We Are Alone” by David Robertson
Come along and enjoy stone sculpting with Lyndon Tootoosis, a knowledgeable stone carver and storyteller from Poundmaker First Nation. With over 27 years of experience, Lyndon is the creative artist behind the stunning medicine wheel, named ‘Place of Reflection’, located near the Centre. Not only will he guide you, but he’ll also provide an incredible hands-on experience that will help you understand the important role of stones in Indigenous culture. With his traditional father’s influence, Lyndon’s journey started long before he created his first piece. As a child, Lyndon was taught traditional ways of making Cree ceremonial pipes. As he grew, Lyndon was brought into the circle, learning the teachings that have sustained his People. These life lessons are a part of what he does. For 11 years he has worked with the Allen Sapp gallery as the cultural lead in the development of shows and programs. Working with Elders and upon their encouragement, extends his learnings with the community. Lyndon’s work is held in private and corporate collections.
Learn about the Indian Residential School Memorial Monument currently located at Saskatchewan RCMP Headquarters until October 2. This 18-foot-tall, four-foot-diameter Monument was created by Kwakiutl master carver, Stanley Hunt. It serves as a memorial to the thousands of Indigenous children who suffered in Residential Schools. Stanley Hunt is a Kwakiutl master carver and artist from Tsakis (Fort Rupert), near Port Hardy, on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Stanley first learned to carve making toy boats and canoes. Stanley carves solely in the Kwakiutl style that he learned from his father and brothers. No power tools are used, only traditional tools like the adze, straight knife, and curved knife. Stanley’s work
can be found in museums and private collections around the world.
Enjoy an activity story walk with “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt” by author Phyllis Webstad. This is both Phyllis’s true story and the story behind Orange Shirt Day. Adapted for ages 4-6.
Explore The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map. You will learn about the timeline and locations of Residential Schools in Canada, the different types of treaties, and gain insights into the connection Indigenous Peoples have with the land.
Make your own unique Every Child Matters button. This is something precious you can take home, crafted with your own hands.