Truth and Reconciliation marches draw hundreds locally

The National Day for Erie, back to the park.

Truth and Reconciliation was Saturday, September 30 and services were held both Friday and Saturday in Leamington as Caldwell First Nation observed the importance of the day.

Friday saw about 400 people gather at Dieppe Park at the Caldwell Headquarters where a sacred fire burned all day and a smudging ceremony was held prior to a walk by participants through the downtown area, west on Talbot, South on Westmoreland, east on Oak and north on

The procession was once again led on horseback by John Pavao, Sarah Parks and Michelle Stein, with the trio setting the pace for the walk. Local high school students played a big part in the march with several hundred arriving on foot and by bus to participate.

On Saturday, another service was held at the Caldwell Gas Station on Seacliff Drive East, where drummers and dancers entertained the crowd and told those important stories that should never be forgotten.