Commemorative Events and Initiatives for Truth and Reconciliation Day
LONDON, ONTARIO - Atlohsa Family Healing Services invites the community to honour the survivors of residential schools, remember those who did not make it home, and recognize intergenerational survivors, who are still impacted until today. We believe in the power of genuine reconciliation, achieved through deep reflection, understanding, and compassion. Dedicated to fostering meaningful dialogues, Atlohsa seeks to shed light on the lasting impacts of these schools and pave a path for healing, hope, and action. Recognizing the significance of this month, Atlohsa has joined hands with esteemed partners like the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Deshkan Ziibiing (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation) to roll out a series of events and initiatives that underscore our commitment to unity and reconciliation.
"While the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is pivotal, every day presents an opportunity for reflection, understanding, and action," remarks Joseph Wabegijig, Executive Director of Atlohsa Family Healing Services. "We invite everyone to join us for this gathering. Together, we can connect, share stories, and engage in a journey of collective understanding and healing. Let's come together, embrace the truth, and actively work towards a future of genuine reconciliation."
Chief Joe Miskokomon, Chief of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, invites everyone with a message of unity: “"Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii (Never Ever Forget Me) Music and Artisan Festival is not just a celebration of our resilience, but a testament to the enduring Indigenous creativity in music, art, and culture. We invite you as our guest on September 30, to learn more about the important cause for the festival - and in doing so, never forget that every child matters. Join us as we come together to remember, heal, celebrate our culture together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation."
Key Events for September
- ReconciliACTION Speaker Series: Beyond NDTR
- Date: September 29, 10am-12pm
- Venue: Wampum Learning Lodge, , 1137 Western Rd, London, ON
- Event Details: An enlightening conversation about genuine reconciliation and collective healing, reclamation, and reparations with esteemed speakers including Chief Joel Abram, Jody Noah, Alizabeth George-Antone and Joe Antone. This series is transitioning to a year-round dialogue.
- Learn more: atlohsa.com/reconciliaction
- Atlohsa’s Orange Shirt Day gathering - Wear Orange, Speak Truth
- Date: September 30, 12pm-3:30pm
- Venue: Western Fair District Agriplex, 845 Florence St, London, ON
- Be part of this significant gathering that features drum groups, honour dance, guest speakers and more. The community's presence will serve as a symbol of unity, understanding, and commitment to a shared future. Show your solidarity by wearing orange and help bring attention to the tragic legacy of residential schools.
- Never Ever Forget Me (Gawii Wikaa-Nendimisii) Market and Benefit Concert
- Dates: Market - September 29 (4pm-9pm) and 30 (10am-7pm); Concert - September 30, 6pm-11pm
- Venue: Western Fair District Agriplex, 845 Florence St, London, ON
- Concert Details: Featuring renowned Indigenous artists like Northern Cree, Digging Roots, DJ Shub, and more.
- The proceeds from the festival will be instrumental in preserving the structure of the Mount Elgin Indian Industrial School barn, with plans to create a Mount Elgin Museum and Interpretive Center. This barn stands as a testament, where children engraved their messages of hope.
- Tickets and Info: nevereverforget.me
Get Involved
To learn more about Atlohsa's initiatives, events, and how you can contribute, please visit atlohsa.com/ndtr2023
Media Contact:
Shiela Lantaca, Marketing Communications and Development Manager
Atlohsa Family Healing Services
communications@atlohsa.com
519-438-0068 ext 851
Photo Credit: Tania DeJonge
Atlohsa Family Healing Services is a non-profit, charitable organization. We have been serving individuals and families across Southwestern Ontario and beyond since 1986 providing low-barrier wraparound services to community members with complex needs, including mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, domestic violence, and trauma. We specialize in providing strengths-based healing and wellness support, utilizing trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches.
The Wampum Learning Lodge at Western University is an intercultural teaching, learning, and gathering space, designed with Indigenous epistemologies and pedagogies at its heart. The Lodge facilitates and coordinates services and programming offered by Western’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII). It does so in collaboration with University stakeholders and Indigenous organizations and communities in Deshkan Zibiing territory, with the aim of advancing Reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization.
Deshkan Ziibiing, also known as Chippewas of the Thames First Nation: Deshkan Ziibiing (pronounced desh-kan-zee-bing) means ‘People along the Antlered River’ - the Anishinaabeg, commonly known as Chippewas of the Thames First Nation - is located on the north bank of the Thames River approximately 20 kilometers southwest of London, Ontario. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is an Anishinaabe community, whose shared traditional territory is located in Southwestern Ontario
