Honouring Our Indigenous Children - June 28, 2021
Event Overview
On Monday, June 28th, the OAC held a sunrise ceremony at 5:00 AM outside Ottawa City Hall in Marion Dewar Plaza. Firekeeper Peter Decontie lit a sacred fire to honour the Indigenous children found in unmarked graves throughout the country. The event welcomed all members of the Indigenous community and all residents of Ottawa.
Purpose of the Event
The purpose of this event was to honour Indigenous children who have been found in unmarked graves across Canada. It aimed to create a space for community members to gather, offer prayers, and foster awareness around the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism. The ceremony provided an opportunity for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Elders to share their perspectives and support the community in healing and remembrance.
Untitled by Abigail Echo-Hawk
When they buried the children
What they didn’t know
They were lovingly embraced
By the land
Held and cradled in a mother’s heart
The trees wept for them, with the wind
they sang mourning songs their mothers
didn’t know how to sing
bending branches to touch the earth
around them. The Creator cried for them
the tears falling like rain.
Mother Earth held them
until they could be found.
Now our voices sing the mourning songs
with the trees. the wind. light sacred fire
ensure they are never forgotten as we sing
Event Poster:
Well-being Resources:
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National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
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First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free)
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Local Indigenous Organizations:
https://www.ottawaaboriginalcoalition.ca/indigenous-ottawa-organizations
Elders
The OAC is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with several Elders from the Ottawa community. During Red Dress Day, three Elders graciously offered opening and closing prayers for the event.
Firekeepers
We were also honoured to have Firekeepers assist with the Sacred Fire. Their biographies are shared below.
