SLFNHA hosts Walk for Truth and Reconciliation, week of activities 

Tim Brody - Editor

A wave of orange made it its way down the streets of Sioux Lookout’s downtown core on Sept. 25 in the name of truth and reconciliation.
Organized by Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, the 2024 Walk for Truth & Reconciliation drew a large crowd, making its way from the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre on King Street, down Front Street to Farlinger Park (town beach).
Upon arriving at the town beach, participants were treated to snacks and a BBQ, as well as speeches from dignitaries and a special tribute to the late Garnet Angeconeb.
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority hosted a week of activities to mark Truth and Reconciliation Week, Sept. 23 – 27.
Activities included a sunrise ceremony, medicine teachings, moose hide scraping and deer hide smoking, tobacco tie making, beading, and an Elder’s gathering.
SLFNHA President and CEO Sonia Isaac-Mann welcomed those gathered, acknowledging the land that the event was held on is on the traditional lands of Lac Seul First Nation.
“SLFNHA is proud to once again host the Walk for Truth & Reconciliation, as well as many of the events taking place this week. We are proud to work with our partners who joined us in making these events happen,” she said.
“We are today to honour the survivors of Residential Schools and their families. We are here to honour the survivors who speak their truth and those who are not yet able to do so. We are here to remember and honour the children who did not return home from these institutions,” she said, adding, “These are hard truths.”
“But as we move forward on the path of reconciliation,” she stated, “We must acknowledge that reconciliation can’t happen without truth. And truth comes from story. From listening to the stories of survivors and their families. And from understanding that injustice is not just a thing of the past, but that injustice still continues for the First Nations that are trying to fight for equitable access to healthcare, education, justice, and so on.”
Isaac-Mann concluded, “It’s also about understanding First Nations culture. Our traditions and beliefs... It is our hope that the events we planned this week provide an opportunity for everyone to learn a little about those cultures in this region. As well as to hear the stories of the survivors.”