b'It would be nice to see the primepossible to support our communi-minister at a large gathering, Grandties and ensure that any approach Council Chief Niganobe commented.developed for the identification and All leaders, reallynational and provin- recovery of our children will be led by cial. It would be nice to see [the ProvinceSurvivors and their families, Grand of Ontario] turn it into a [statutoryChief Achneepineskum said. We are holiday], with time off for people tocommitted to supporting Survivors, attend gatherings.their families and all NAN First Nations Its a dark part of history, but itsthroughout the difficult work to come.something that has to be acknowledgedTheres much work to do going to be able to make the changes, Grandahead, but perhaps the burden will be a Council Chief Niganobe added. little lighter considering the breadth of The community work to recover theawareness that has taken place across the remains of relatives in unmarked gravescountry, one orange shirt at a time. There will continue. We will do everythingis hope in the sea of orange shirts. for the youth who never made it homeozhoo and W lcome to theBo eand honour the healing journeys of Survivors and their families as morehunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centrunmarked gravesites are discovered acrossT ethe country.At the gathering of hundreds of people, Deputy Grand Chief Achneepineskum said, Its encour-aging through the years that we come to these gatherings, that heaviness has gotten lighter.She supports the new holiday because it has shed a light on Canadas past and people are taking more notice of Indian Residential Schools survivors. Ive heard comments from [Survivors] saying, Finally, were getting the recognition and acknowledgement, she said. Its encouraging [that] more people are coming out and wanting to learn. Thats one of the benefits of having this day as a holidaypeople will ask those questions and have those discussions. Offering a comprehensive range of Although the national day has beenprograms (37) from Food Security to received positively and with optimismLifelong Care, Justice and Apatisiwin at noticing recent changes in public(Employment and Training) to First Nation support, Grand Council Chief Niganobe(status and non-status), Mtis and Inuit wishes governments were more on board to raise awareness and helppeoples living in Thunder Bay.realize reconciliation. I was disappointed in the prime minister, he said, referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus family vaca-401 N. Cumberland Street, tion in Tofino, B.C. on the first recog- Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4P7nized National Day for Truth and P. 807-345-5840(all programs)Reconciliation. Media noted that the Prime Ministers vacation contradictedF. 807-344-8945his words of reconciliation, and a mediaLike us onrelease to mark the day is absent from the Prime Ministers Office website.tbifc.caI ssue2 2021/22C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne l 17'