10/01/2026
Every Child Matters | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Thompson 🧡
On Orange Shirt Day, hundreds of people came together in Thompson to honour the children who never made it home, Survivors of the Indian Residential School system, and the families and communities who continue to carry its impacts.
Our gathering began at the Thompson Train Station, a place that holds a difficult history for many northern families. Children who were taken from their parents and communities passed through the station as they were transported away to Indian Residential Schools.
The day began in a good way with a Pipe Ceremony led by Philip Michel of Barren Lands First Nation, followed by an opening prayer from Walter Halcrow of Pimicikamak Cree Nation. The Burntwood School Youth Drum Group helped lead the gathering through song, while Emcee Ken Bighetty and Co-Emcee Pierce Beardy guided us throughout the day.
We were honoured to hear powerful words and reflections from Survivors Rose Hart and her sister Lorna of OPCN, as well as George Neepin of Fox Lake Cree Nation.
Welcoming remarks were also shared by Chief Cheryl Moore of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, who spoke about being an intergenerational Survivor; Chief Betsy Kennedy of War Lake First Nation, on behalf of MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee, who shared a deeply personal memory of watching her own siblings being taken away; Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot of Sky Nations Grand Council; and Constituency Acting Sr. Director Babatunde Adewole, on behalf of the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand.
Their messages reminded us of the tremendous loss experienced by families and communities, the lasting trauma created by the residential school system, and the importance of knowing and sharing the truth. They also reminded us of something equally powerful: our people are still here. We are resilient, and we will continue to rise.
An Every Child Matters Memorial Drive travelled from the Train Station to the TRCC, where the community gathered for a lunch feast and Spirit Plate blessed by Diane Linklater of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
Throughout the afternoon, participants came together for an Orange Shirt Day reflection video, Orange Shirt Day Fashion Show and moments of silence. The Boreal Discovery Centre was filled with activities including beading kits, bracelet making, leather feathers, soapstone carving and painting, Snapfox Photo Booth, snow cones and cotton candy.
The Binesi Ikwewag Singers shared beautiful drum songs throughout the day.
A Survivors Panel on Healing and Wellness was moderated by MKO's Alexis Lamirande, with panelists Chief Betsy Kennedy, Eunice Beardy and Simon Samuel sharing their voices and experiences.
MKO staff Kayla Shaganash and Kwinton Cochrane also shared the MKO IRS Archives Website, helping ensure these histories, stories and truths continue to be preserved.
Following a wellness break, the evening brought everyone together once again with live entertainment from the Paul Okemow Band, Avery Pelletier, jigger Ricky Pronteau and Nigel Settee
This gathering would not have been possible without the support of our partners, organizations, businesses, volunteers, staff and the community of Thompson.
A special thank you to:
R.D. Parker Collegiate students and their parents for cooking free pancakes while fundraising for their 2027 trip to Europe
City of Thompson for the hot chocolate and donated prize items
MMF Local for 900 Jell-O cups and prize donations
Safeway and Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy (TUAS) for 600 cupcakes and donuts
Arctic Beverages for the generous water donation
R.A. Distributing for the juice boxes
OG Popeyes Owners for the evening snack
Cody Genaille from the North Stars hockey team for being on site and handing out tickets for their next game
Keewatin Tribal Council, IPAM North, MKO Traditional Healer Program and MKO Path Forward Project for donated prizes
Perimeter for the syrup and pancake mix
MKO Staff
Boys & Girls Club
Youth Build Program
Thompson Golf Course
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, participated, shared their stories, listened, learned and stood together with us.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is more than one day. It is a commitment to listen to Survivors, acknowledge the truth of what happened to our children and families, and ensure these stories are never forgotten.
We honour the children who never made it home.
We honour the Survivors.
We honour the families and communities who continue to carry these stories.
🧡 We will always remember. We will always honour. We will never forget. Every Child Matters. 🧡
