The RM of Gimli, along with the Gimli Red River Métis Local, the Riverton Red River Métis Local and the Riverton and District Friendship Centre, hosted a Truth and Reconciliation Day gathering at the Park Pavilion on Sept. 30.
The event opened with a land acknowledgement and a prayer from Susan Champagne Shapiro, chair of the Gimli Red River Métis Local. Tanya Grimolfson, chair of the Riverton Red River Métis Local, MCed the program, while the Friendship Centre provided canteen service along with free tea and bannock.
Drumming by the Red Shadow Singers and the Winnipeg Beach Children’s Drum Group set the tone for the day, followed by welcoming remarks from Mayor Kevin Chudd and MLA Derek Johnson. Gloria Thomas, vice-chair of the Gimli Red River Métis Local, offered a teaching on the near loss of Indigenous languages due to residential schools and the ongoing efforts to reclaim them.
Entertainment included music by Jason Lepine and the Métis Spirit Band, a performance by the Kind Heart Women Singers and a youth fiddle performance by Dean Riley. More than 100 people attended the event.
