Schreiber Raises Flag to Commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Day

Flag raising in Schreiber to commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

September 30th will now and forever be recognized as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. The day was established to honour victims and survivors of the residential school system. The day also coincides with Orange shirt day. The township of Schreiber has committed to the task and recognized the day with a flag raising at the town office. Evan Cole, Recreation Director for Schreiber was on hand to record the event. All staff members were asked to join the mayor and guests on the front lawn of the municipal centre to witness the ceremony and Mayor Kevin Mullins read a very well worded speech to commemorate the day. He outlined Schreiber’s commitment to reconciliation and made mention of the tragedy and trauma suffered at residential schools. His message was one of unity and healing. He then introduced Raymond Goodchild from Pays Plat first nations. 
Raymond is an elder in that community and was a former chief and still remains on council. Pays Plat has well established connections and history with Schreiber with many former residents of Pays Plat settled in Schreiber. Mr. Goodchild highlighted the importance of the two communities working together to educate people and bring awareness of the residential school legacy. He also spoke of the murdered and missing indigenous women in the country and made a special point that men are also included in that statistic. He then honoured his ancestors with a short  acknowledgement and concluded by thanking everyone in attendance.