Forgette says Carp Truth, Reconciliation ceremony for everybody

CARP – Makatew Workshops’ third annual Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony will return to the Diefenbunker Museum (3929 Carp Rd.) from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The ceremony, following the unveiling of a permanent land acknowledgement, will include the lighting of a sacred fire, youth performances and presentations from Knowledge Keepers and elders.

Organizer Marc Forgette, who owns and operates Makatew Workshops, says he started the event as a way to include communities in the west end that wouldn’t feel comfortable attending the ceremonies in downtown Ottawa.

“Something was picking at me to say you need to give back to the local community, both Indigenous and non, in creating something that is meaningful,” Forgette told West Carleton Online yesterday (Sept. 23).

This year’s special guests include Ward 5 Coun. Clarke Kelly, Kanata-Carleton MPP Karen McCrimmon, Kanata MP Jenna Sudds and residential schools survivor Shirly Caibaiosai.

“Those are the people that need to see you wearing those orange shirts and being in the audience,” Forgette said in reference to residential school survivors. “Healing takes a village. We all have to be there together to show our support.”

Both the permanent land acknowledgement unveiling and Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony are free to attend.

“Everybody is welcome,” Forgette said. “Truth and reconciliation is about coming together as one, both non-Indigenous and Indigenous people, to reconcile.”

A permanent land acknowledgement ceremony will take place from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony will follow from 10 a.m. to noon. Both ceremonies will be held outside at the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum.

To read West Carleton Online’s coverage of last year’s Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony, click here.