Indigenous cultural dancing is shared in Steinbach for Truth and Reconciliation

The Pat Porter Active Living Centre hosted an event on Tuesday for Truth and Reconciliation. 

The afternoon began with an authentic Indigenous meal, followed by an honour song for survivors, a water ceremony, and then Jennifer Wood spoke about the history of residential schools.

Wood is Ojibway from Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation, Ontario. She was the Coordinator of the Residential Schools Settlement Agreement for nearly a decade for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Today, she is the Commemoration and Community Engagement Liaison Officer for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

“There were five of my siblings that were taken in a sweep of an afternoon and went to Spanish, Ontario,” she said. “And my father said that it was like a funeral. The whole community was impacted because all the children were gone. And I'm not here to blame anyone. I'm not here to make anyone feel guilty. I'm merely here to tell the truth.” 

Wood went on to say that Indigenous people are still under tremendous legislation. 

“A lot of people have the perception that we have everything for free, we pay no taxes, we don't own our own homes,” she said. “You know, those are all perceptions and those are myths, but it all comes from the Indian Act.”

The Indian Act attempted to generalize a vast and varied population of people and assimilate them into non-Indigenous society. It forbade First Nations peoples and communities from expressing their identities through governance and culture. - thecanadianencyclopedia.ca

Wood’s presentation was followed by drummers and dancers taking over the stage to demonstrate cultural dancing. 

And Wood made a point to let everyone know that Pow Wows are open to everyone. 

“You’re more than welcome to come and sit, and watch the traditional teachings, the dancing, you can even join in,” she says. “Don't ever be afraid to take part in that.” 

Wood says reconciliation happens when we acknowledge what happened with residential schools, with showing support by attending events like the one on Tuesday at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre, and by wearing an orange shirt on September 30th.