Community Youth to Host Truth and Reconciliation Vigil on September 30

The youth of Mississippi Mills, from the Almonte United Church and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, invite all members of the community to participate in a Truth and Reconciliation Candlelight Vigil on Tuesday, September 30 in Almonte’s Riverfront Park (320 Spring Street).

This year, the candlelight vigil on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is being led by the church youth – supported by the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, in partnership with Mississippi Mills All My Relations and the Municipality of Mississippi Mills. 

The evening will feature readings, music and dance with special guest, Shelly Sayeau. Dancing Willow (Sayeau’s spirit name) is the great-granddaughter of Chief Matthew Bernard, Pikwakanagan, at Golden Lake. Sayeau has made her own jingle dress and will speak about what connecting to her ancestral roots and culture has meant to her. 

This event is an opportunity for reflection on our relationships with Indigenous peoples, as well as a time to honour the victims and survivors of the residential school system, their families and communities. 

The agenda:

• 7 p.m. – Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
• 7:10 p.m. – Readings and sharings
• 8 p.m. – Candlelight vigil

Following the program, the community is invited to take a candle and place it at The Seven Gifts monument in the park. This installation, created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, is an initiative of Mississippi Mills All My Relations and provides a sacred space for healing, reflection and learning. It was unveiled in 2023.

Please join us for this time of reflection. Some seating will be provided, but all are welcome to bring their own chairs.