Belleville citizens came out in droves, wearing orange shirts and carrying flags, to fill up George Zegouras Market Square during the second annual Truth and Reconciliation Day event.
The event, hosted by Belleville city council, took place between Noon and 2 pm on Friday.
Chief R. Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte adresses a gathered crowd in Market Square in Belleville during the 2022 Truth and Reconciliation day event. Photo by: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
Indigenous speakers came out to share their experiences with the gathered crowd, and indigenous musicians played music between presentations.
Chief R. Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte said a few words at the beginning of the event.
“There’s a lot of interest, there’s a lot of people here today with an orange shirt on to show that they care and that they want to learn more. So I think that really, a lot of Canadians are appalled when they are learning what really went on,” said Maracle.
One presenter, Wilbert Maracle, is a survivor of the residential schools, and shared some of his experiences.
From left to right: Belleville Councillor Sean Kelly, Wilbert Maracle, and Chief R. Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte on stage at the 2022 Truth and Reconciliation Day event, while Wilbert shares some of his experience from having been in residential school.
Other speakers included Jamie Maracle, who gave a Wampum belt demonstration, and indigenous artist Kory Parkin.
Belleville councilor Sean Kelly, head of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee said he was pleased with the event turnout.
“For those who came, I know you left, you took something from it, and this is what we have to do, this is part of the reconciliation. We know the truth and this is the work we have to put in” said Kelly.
The flag at city hall flew at half mast through the event, and will remain that way for the rest of the day.
The flag at Belleville’s city hall, flying at half mast in respect to the indigenous children who died at residential schools. Photo by: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
