BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Friendship Centre hosted a poignant ceremony in recognition of Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous people (MMEIP), along with commemorating Indigenous children who were lost to residential schools.
The C2 field house was transformed into an atmospheric, red-lit banquet hall with a teepee frame in the center of the room and Little Island Cree drummers on stage setting the rythm of the evening.
The event was held on Oct. 4, and included a banquet, an Indigenous artisan market, performances, and guest speakers.
Emcee Jackson Rolling Thunder Tahuka spoke with heart to the crowd, urging people to acknowledge the wrongdoings of the past, and learn to grow, heal, and move forward. Tahuka suggested that reconciliation can start at home, by nourishing our relationships.
“When you live amongst each other in harmony, our people, our relations, our families feel that good within one another. They feel that kind spirit, that compassionate spirit of supporting one another, and acknowledging one another,” said Tahuka.
Tahuka ushered Janet Gobert, chief executive director of the Bonnyville Friendship Centre, onto the stage
“Janet influences and reaches beyond the centre. She serves on the Government of Alberta, Human Rights Commission and Indigenous Advisory Council, where her strong voice assures that the Indigenous perspectives are met and seen and heard and understood . . . She always remembers to put her heart forward,” said Tahuka.
Gobert spoke of her own journey rising above adversity and violence to become an advocate.
“My experiences have shaped me into the advocate I am today . . . Each of us carries a heart that beats with the potential for transformation,” said Gobert.
Gobert shared the loss of her nephew who she had raised then lost to violence. With three daughters, Gobert said she has dedicated herself to ensuring their safety.
“Women are often the change makers in our communities, but we cannot do it alone. We truly need men to take action to be our protectors and allies. In this journey towards change, it is vital for men to stand with us, to advocate for a culture of respect and safety, and to challenge the societal norms that allow violence to be present,” said Gobert.
Guest speakers Jeannette MacInnis, the director of strategic partnership and public relations for the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association, and musician Beatrice Love who was a Canada’s Got Talent semi-finalist, both shared stories similar to Gobert’s.
MacInnis spoke to the frustrating political landscape that can often be unyielding to change, the performative allyship, and the heartbreaking conversations she has with survivors.
“Through it all, my heart tells me to privilege and amplify voices of survivors and families of murdered and missing Indigenous women, to centre their needs and ideas above all - to listen to them while I have been navigating my own healing journey.”
Love told her harrowing story of homelessness and violence, to be a living example of how good it can get - her soulful performance on stage, a tribute to her resilience.
“Your journey for reconciliation and healing may look different than mine. It's an intimate process, an intimate journey that we each must take. And we all must take an active role in reconciling our broken beginning,” said Love.
Delegates from the community spoke to the crowd, including Town of Bonnyville Deputy Major Byron Johnson who reminded the audience to remain open hearted, and choose empathy, even when commenting in online platforms.
“We must continue to demand accountability and ensure future generations will grow up in a world where safety, dignity, and respect, are rights, not privileges,” said Johnson
Staff Sgt. Sarah Parke of the Bonnyville RCMP delivered a speech, expressing the RCMP’s desire to work with Indigenous partners, and showing support for the work the Bonnyville Friendship Centre does, particularly in their efforts to build a women's shelter.
Gobert came on stage after Parke’s speech, to offer her a ribbon skirt as a symbol of appreciation.
“Today, we have the honour of recognizing an individual whose dedication to truth and reconciliation has truly made a profound impact in our community. RCMP Staff Sgt. Sarah Park has gone above and beyond in her efforts to support Indigenous initiatives, standing as an ally and an advocate for our people,” said Gobert.