In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, the joint Indigenous Health Education Committee (SJCG & TBRHSC) hosted a four-day Sacred Fire from September 27 to September 30 at the Sister Margaret Smith Centre Tipi, which began with a Sunrise Ceremony. Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO at TBRHSC, along with Janine Black, President & CEO at SJCG, attended the event and spoke about the importance of reconciliation and creating a safe and inclusive environment for Indigenous people. Below are some pictures of the event.

A Sacred Fire is an Indigenous ceremony that promotes healing by connecting to our ancestors and histories. The Fire was lit in honour of all the children who did not return home from Residential Schools, the Survivors of the Residential School System, and the Indigenous Peoples who continue working through the intergenerational impacts.

The Sacred Fire was tended to 24 hours a day by Fire Keepers, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and members of the SJCG N’doo’owe Binesi team. Members of the Indigenous Health Education Committee were also onsite to provide assistance and guidance.