Carleton Place marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a community gathering focused on remembering the past, honouring Indigenous peoples and looking toward a better future.
Over one thousand residents and students gathered at Riverside Park for a ceremony at the Mississippi River Gathering Place, including the dedication of the Four Directions Stones, an installation recognizing the Algonquin peoples.
The event included opportunities for community members to listen, learn, sing and drum, with participants reflecting on the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
Local Indigenous artist and organizer, Colleen Gray spoke of what the day meant to her.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours residential school survivors and remembers the children who never returned home.
It also encourages Canadians to learn more about the history of residential schools and consider what reconciliation means in their own communities.
The gathering gave residents an opportunity to come together in a local setting, with organizers stressing the importance of listening to Indigenous voices and continuing the conversation beyond September 30th.
Gray’s wish was that people took the day as an opportunity to learn.
A separate event at the Carleton Place Public Library also marked the day, with a special story-time and activities for children, including an invitation to wear orange.
For those taking part, the message was that reconciliation isn’t limited to a single day — it’s an ongoing process involving learning, remembering and building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Listen to our complete conversation Gray below.
Story by Brian Turner
