The Paris Independent
8
January 20, 2024
COMMUNITY NEWS County politicians and staff observe Truth and Reconciliation presentation By Casandra Turnbull Municipal politicians observed a sobering and impactful Truth and Reconciliation presentation on Thursday at the Woodland Cultural Centre. The Mayor, Councillors and County of Brant staff toured the facilities and witnessed a virtual tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. Heather George and staff at the Woodland Cultural Centre led the presentation aimed to help people gain a better understanding of the road to reconciliation. County of Brant Arts, Culture & Heritage Officer Kayla Cicman organized the educational opportunity. Councillor Steve Howes said he was incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to experience the history through a virtual tour, which he described as a difficult and valuable lesson in Canadian History. “The Mush Hole was one of the first Residential Schools in Canada and also one of the last to still be in operation and the stories from the survivors are so important,” he shared on a public social media post following the presentation. “We were able to tour the former school, now under renovations and I had to
Mayor David Bailey (photo credit) above right, posing with one of the presenters.
Take a photo out of the one window, which 50 years ago would look out at apple trees and a fully functioning farm that never delivered food to the children who worked and lived there.” Councillor Lukas Oakley implored residents to take the virtual tour and consider donating to support the Cultural Centre’s invaluable facility. “There is a lot to unpack and absorb from the very sobering experience; but I am very grateful to the staff at the @woodlandculturalcentre for the educational afternoon,” he shared online. Mayor David Bailey, a longtime supporter of reconciling the two communities, Brant County and Six Nations, said Thursday’s lesson goes a long way to help Brant County staff and councillors to really understand the magnitude of the road to reconciliation. “I believe the first steps are to just listen to the stories and reflect.” If you’d like to learn more, please visit their website for more details.
Heather George above centre, leading councillors and county staff on a tour on January 18th (photo credit Steve Howes).
