National truth, reconciliation ceremony moves to Diefenbunker

CARP – Orange Shirt Day has been celebrated in Canada since 2013. Last year a National Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony was held in Carp for the first time.

On Monday, Sept. 30, Makatew Workshops’ Marc Forgette will officially make the event annual as his Carp-based business hosts the second annual event at a new location this year.

The National Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony, also known as Orange Shirt Day, will be held at the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum (3929 Carp Rd.) on Monday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon.

“This ceremony is open to all,” Forgette released in a statement. “Come and hear from our Knowledge Keeper the truth about residential schools and come support survivors, their families, and each other.  A sacred fire will be lit.”

The move was in response to demand.

“We are thrilled to announce that due to overwhelming demand, we have moved our Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony to a larger location to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend,” Forgette said. “The ceremony will now be held at Diefenbunker Museum located at 3929 Carp Rd.”

Plenty of onsite parking.

“We look forward to welcoming you all and sharing this important event with our community,” Forgette said. “The agenda remains the same, with Marc Forgette welcoming everyone, emcee John Henri, speeches by City Councillor Clarke Kelly, MPP Karen McCrimmon and MP Jenna Sudds, and a performance by Randy Kakegamik, First Nation Grass Dancer. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. on Sept. 30. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We hope to see you there.”

Last year’s inaugural event was well attended with Dokis First Nation member John Henri Commanda served as the traditional knowledge keeper as well as the emcee of the event. 

Following the official ceremony, Forgette and Commanda unveiled a permanent bench by the tipi and ornamental fire pit with the text ‘Every Child Matters,’ inscribed on it. The bench is part of a public space, Makatew Workshops offers to anyone who wants to take a break.

Following last year’s ceremony Forgette told West Carleton Online he felt Orange Shirt Day was a success.

““I think it did,” Forgette said. “It was the first one and the first time I ever organized anything like this for the community. I didn’t know what to expect. We did it for the community and the community came out. Not a bad number for a beautiful Saturday. I think they were grateful to be there. We just wanted to facilitate this and bring it to the community. Now we have a baseline for next year. We can only move forward.”