News release from City of Barrie
Sacred Fire and Sharing Circle at the Spirit Catcher
September 30, Sunrise to Sunset | 25 Simcoe Street
Sunrise and Pipe Ceremony will start at approx. 6:30am
The Sacred Fire and Sharing Circle hosted by the Barrie Native Friendship Centre will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in honour of all who have been impacted by residential schools. This event is open to everyone as a time to reflect, offer a prayer, share stories, learn, and heal together as a community as we continue to build relationships grounded in respect and reciprocity. The Fire Keeper is Mshukwad Akiwenzie and BNFC will have traditional medicines available.
The day will be welcomed with a Sunrise Ceremony and Pipe Ceremony led by Elder Jeff Monague. Throughout the day, various guests will join the circle to share their thoughts and experiences in relation to truth and reconciliation, the effects of intergenerational trauma, the resiliency and beauty of Indigenous people, and the path forward in healing together for a brighter future.
Holistic Village and Activities at the Spirit Catcher
September 30, 3–6pm | 25 Simcoe Street
The community is invited to come out to learn more about the Indigenous organizations in
our area hosted by Red Quills. Kids activities provided by the Barrie Public Library, including a Story Walk of The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad, orange shirt flag craft station, and Every Child Matters button making.
The holistic village host drum is Mixed Tribe led by Harley Wesley of Saugeen First Nation. Harley is of Ojibwe descent, and has been drumming for twenty nine years. Mixed Tribe was formed in 2015 with singers of Ojibway and Cree descent. The group's singers hold twenty plus years experience, and live across Turtle Island sharing sacred songs of the big drum.
Every Child Matters Walk
September 30 | gather at 4:45pm, depart at 5pm
Departing from the Spirit Catcher, 25 Simcoe Street
Show your support, wear orange, and walk with the Indigenous community in commemoration of all who have been impacted by residential schools - hosted by Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Primary Care Team. Starting at the Spirit Catcher, we will walk along the waterfront trail to Centennial Park and back along a path suitable for all ages. Families (and anyone interested) can take in the Story Walk of The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad along the way. Bring the kids to the Barrie Public Library booth in advance to make their own orange shirt flag or Every Child Matters button.
Other Learning Opportunities
The Barrie Native Friendship Centre and MacLaren Art Centre are hosting a series of educational workshops themed around truth and reconciliation during Culture Days 2022. Pre-registration required. For more information and to register, visit the MacLaren Art Centre website
Banner image: Barrie 360 photo
