The third annual truth and reconciliation awareness day event took place in Regina at the Eagle Heart Centre. The event began as a way to recognize and remember those impacted by residential schools by placing shoes around the property as a memorial. However, it has now evolved into a community initiative to provide footwear to those in need. The community rallied together to donate nearly 150 pairs of shoes of all sizes for the event. The chair of the board for Eagle Heart Centre, Linda Anderson, emphasized the importance of not forgetting what took place in residential schools and the need to acknowledge the 94 calls to action.
The event served as a reminder of the history that was brushed under the carpet for decades, with promises made and forgotten. The importance of coming together as a community to reflect on the past and move forward towards reconciliation was highlighted. The community’s support for those in need, as demonstrated through donations of shoes, food, and toys, was seen as an inspiring example of unity and compassion. The Eagle Heart Centre, located in North Central, aims to serve and connect with the people in the community, fostering a sense of togetherness and support.
Mandy Bull, the executive director of the Eagle Heart Centre, shared the origins of the awareness event, which was initially a memorial for the children found in unmarked graves at residential schools. The community response to the memorial, with people taking the shoes because they were in need, led to a shift in focus towards providing footwear for all sizes. The event reflects a commitment to honoring the memory of those impacted by residential schools while also addressing the current needs of the community. The outpouring of support from community members and partners demonstrates a collective effort to make a positive impact and support those facing challenges.
The event at the Eagle Heart Centre included not just the distribution of shoes, but also donations of food and toys to benefit those in need. The organizers emphasized the importance of recognizing the past, acknowledging the ongoing work towards reconciliation, and coming together as a community. The act of breaking bread together and supporting one another was seen as a powerful way to forge connections and show solidarity. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement, support, and ongoing efforts to address the legacy of residential schools and promote healing and reconciliation.
