Regina marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The city of Regina hosted the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Honour Walk.

Saturday morning, people gathered around Victoria Park where a tipi and tent station had been set up for the third annual Honour Walk.

The walk is meant to honour the family and victims of the Canadian Indian Residential School System.

It was organized by the Regina charity Circle Project and Regina Work Preparation Centre

Larissa Anderson, operations manager of Circle Project, said the event is a way to raise awareness.

“I think having events like this allows people to come here, have a safe comfortable space to do it and educate themselves,” she said.

“It all starts with education. Educating yourself and we’ll get a little bit closer to reconciliation.”

The crowd walked from Victoria Park to Albert Street where they turned to make their way back to the park on 12th avenue.

After the walk, people were provided with resources including a small packet of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

Inside the tent were storyboards that provided lessons about Indigenous history and culture.

“If people are here and they read and they take those things home that will help with some of the education around Truth and Reconciliation,” Anderson said.

It was a special day for people like Jane Bauircroft whose mother went through the Indian Residential School system.

“I just like to remember the kids that are gone in the residential schools and just show love to everybody because everybody matters,” Bauicroft said.

Anderson said the walk is key for allowing people to reckon with Canada’s colonial history.

“Each year, each day, each minute, we’re getting a little bit closer (to reconciliation),” Anderson said.

“We’re still a little bit away but I think having events like this allows people to come here have a safe comfortable space to do it and educate themselves.”

Another walk and barbeque was held Saturday at the mâmawêyatitân centre.