Healing Dance of Reconciliation

Healing Dance of Reconciliation

September 30, 2023

MC Chairperson Dennis Meeches

9:30     RECONCILIATION/HONOR WALK – Portage City Hall (PCRC) to Former Portage Residential School

Escort by MB First Nation Policing – T-shirts will be available for Purchase from 0900-0930 at City Hall.

10:30     OPENING PRAYER- Knowledge Keeper

10:40     OPENING/HONOR SONG

10:50   Welcome Remarks

• Chair of NIRSM – Dennis Meeches
• AMC Grand Chief – Cathy Merrick
• SCO Grand Chief – Jerry Daniels
• AFN Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse
• Mayor Sharilyn Knox – City of Portage La Prairie
• Chief Kyra Wilson, Long Plain First Nation – Territory Welcome

11:30     GUEST SPEAKER – Kirsten Lindbloom, Professor, University of Wisconsin, Riverfall, USA

12:00   Lunch

1:15      1 MINUTE OF SILENCE – Honoring all Residential School Survivors

Honor Song for the Residential School Survivors – Spirit Horse Drum Group

1:30       Filipino Dance Troupe

Ukrainian Dance Troupe

Metis Fiddling and Jigging

Indigenous Dance Troupe to include Hoop Dancer and Champion Chicken Dancer

3:30      Dance of Reconciliation – All Nations

4:30       Closing Ceremony – Closing Prayer & Acknowledgements of Volunteers, Sponsors & Committee &

               Door Prizes

There will be Refreshments after Honor Walk provided Children’s Activity in Afternoon

Healing Mud Shoes on Display during the Day

Mental Health Workers & Security On-site & Masks & Hand Sanitizers will be available.