The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was a day of connection and support in the town of Brighton. Alderville First Nations Chief, David Mowat, took time to come to Brighton and he was joined by Mayor, Brian Ostrander in some meaningful events around town.

From the Municipality of Brighton Facebook Post dated Sept. 30, 2021:

“The pair walked up to Memorial Park to look at the new Orange Ribbon Sidewalk completed by Public Works staff. The project was done after consultation between the Mayor and Chief Mowat. The sidewalk ribbon is orange, symbolic of Orange Shirt Day and representative of truth-telling and healing. The ribbon also features two messages: ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ and ‘Every Child Matters’, each accompanied by 7 feathers.”

 (Photo Credit: Municipality of Brighton Facebook Page)

“Chief Mowat and Mayor Ostrander then joined members of the Library Staff and DBIA at the Brighton Public Library to unveil a three-panel art piece done by local artist AJ VanDrie entitled ‘Trillium Creek’. The artwork will be displayed in the lobby of the 35 Alice Street Municipal building.”

This “special gift from the DBIA to the Municipality” had been commissioned 2 years ago, but had been delayed in its unveiling due to the ongoing pandemic concerns. “To finally see it come to fruition was gratifying to the Artist, who was born in Saugeen First Nations in Southampton, grew up in Codrington to adoptive parents, and attended Spring Valley Public School and East Northumberland Secondary School” (Brightontoday.ca).

(Photo Credit: Municipality of Brighton Facebook Page)

From the Artist: “Trillium Creek is a collage of places found around the Brighton area. The white tailed deer and the stream that runs through all 3 canvases is inspired by Goodrich Loomis Conservation Area. The trilliums and fish represent Proctor Park. Presqu’ile Park is portrayed by the Osprey and Marshland. The oval and circular shapes form the theme of flowing energy and cycles” (MOB Facebook Page). “IT celebrates the parks and nature around the Brighton area. It’s a celebration of nature and the wildlife we have here and how nature is like a healing for people, a relaxation” (Brightontoday.ca).

“Chief Mowat was then a guest reader at Storytime in the King Edward Park Picnic Shelter for families, reading a story called ‘The Boy Who Walked Backwards’ by Ben Sures. The book is a moving story about a young Ojibway boy Leo, his family in Serpent River First Nation and his experience in a Residential School. The story was inspired by Chief Mowat’s father-in-law” (MOB Facebook Post).

In his introduction of Chief Mowat, Mayor Ostrander stated:

“Before I introduce our special guest I will acknowledge that we are gathered on lands that have been inhabited by Indigenous peoples from the beginning. We respectfully acknowledge that the Mississauga Anishnabe have been the stewards of this place. As we tell the truth behind our stories and reconcile them with our past and who we are today, we acknowledge that we are working toward right relations as good treaty people. In particular, we are thankful for our partnership with our neighbours from the Alderville First Nation” (MOB Facebook Post).

“Chief Mowat took questions from parents and children after the reading. When asked what we can do to move towards reconciliation, he encouraged everyone to educate themselves by reading reports and learning as much as we can about our history.”

Some Resources for further inquiry and learning:

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Ipperwash Inquiry Report

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

David Suzuki Foundation Indigenous-Led Land Back Video Project