Survivors Flag raised as September 30 proclaimed National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Sioux Lookout 

Tim Brody - Editor

Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance was joined by Lac Seul First Nation Chief Clifford Bull and Chair of the Municipal Truth and Reconciliation Committee Darlene Angeconeb on September 26 at the Sioux Lookout Travel Information Centre in proclaiming September 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Sioux Lookout.
Lawrance, Bull, and Angeconeb were joined by members of the municipal Truth and Reconciliation Committee, as well as representatives from the Sioux Lookout OPP, as they raised the Survivors Flag.
“Today as we gather together to mark Orange Shirt Day, we reflect on the sad legacy of residential schools and the lasting impact they have had on our communities,” Bull shared. “It is a day to honour the children who were taken, those who never came home, and the survivors whose resilience continues to inspire us. The orange shirt is a symbol of the loss of identity, culture, and dignity that many experienced. But it is also a symbol of the hope and healing we seek as we walk together on the path to reconciliation,” Bull said.
“This year holds particular significance as we remember and honour the life of Garnet Angeconeb, a respected leader and advocate. Garnet was a tireless voice for truth and justice, sharing his experiences, to ensure that the stories of survivors are never forgotten. His dedication and strength have made a lasting impact on our journey toward healing. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit and his work will continue to guide us. As we wear our orange shirts today, let us commit to continuing this important work, remembering that every child matters. Yesterday, today, and always,” he said. 
“I’d like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Lac Seul First Nation, within the area of Treaty 3, and that many of the people and communities we serve come from treaties 5 and 9,” Lawrance said.
“This year has been quite a special year in many ways, the Lac Seul First Nation received their settlement for historical wrongs related to flooding of their community. 
“At the legislature, Sol Mamakwa, our provincial MPP stood and spoke in his native tongue for the first time ever that’s happened for anybody to speak other than English or French at the legislature and address the assembly, so it was a historic moment there. But behind it all is the ongoing truth and reconciliation. The truth is there. It’s been revealed more and more sadly all the time and the reconciliation must go on,” he commented. 
Lawrance proclaimed:
WHEREAS the Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten; and WHEREAS The Municipality of Sioux Lookout remains committed to acknowledging the tragic and painful history and legacy of residential schools; and WHEREAS The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is committed to recognizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80, to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; and WHEREAS The Municipality of Sioux Lookout recognizes that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is but one small step in our journey to advance reconciliation, right historical wrongs, and reflect on how we can build a more inclusive Municipality; and WHEREAS The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect, learn, grieve, and take collective action towards reconciliation; NOW THEREFORE I, Doug Lawrance, Mayor of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, do hereby proclaim Monday, September 30, 2024 as “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” and do commend its thoughtful observance in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout.