| ||
| ||
At 6 am, on September 30 when District HIP co-chairs Jim and Marjorie Dawson drove along toward Niagara Falls they noticed an enhanced police presence - they appeared to be getting barricades ready and as we drove into the Powerplant, the site of the sunrise ceremony it hit them, the Prime Minister is on his way and security will be tight!
On September 30, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation started with a well-attended sunrise ceremony with the “surprise” attendance of the Prime Minister Trudeau to start the day off in a good way with a traditional ceremony. The Prime Minister also attended a sharing circle with survivors from 9-10 when the public presentations were given. The Prime Minister spoke as well as many honoured guests and Phyllis Webstad and her family gave a short history of the Orange Shirt story. Pictured left above are Brian Kon, Phyllis Webstad, Jim and Marjorie Dawson.The Rotary lunch at Club Italia was attended by over 100 people and had local survivors and others including Phyllis Webstad attend. The lunch was sponsored by Cogeco and the presentation is available on online. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnHcMSq2N8c)
The day ended with the lighting up of the Niagara Falls orange and orange fireworks. While the week went by quickly it was wonderful to share the power of the Falls with so many on the healing journey to Truth and Reconciliation. There were many moving moments of sharing, 
caring for and supporting survivors and the weeks events very much reflected the RotaryHIP goals of broadening understanding and walking together.
caring for and supporting survivors and the weeks events very much reflected the RotaryHIP goals of broadening understanding and walking together.After a full week of events culminating in the celebration of National Truth and Reconciliation on Friday September 30 organiser and Metis leader and Niagara Falls Sunrise Rotary member Brian Kon said that he was very pleased how the events went and grateful for help from his Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise members, RotaryHIP members and attendance by Governor Lisa Bishop.