By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
The Civic Centre observed Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30.
The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation (CGIFN) flag was raised, and everyone gathered for a smudging ceremony, followed by drumming and a song.
Matthew Stevens, Leslie McCue, McKenzie Frosch and Vicky Wolske shared personal stories and Indigenous perspectives on the history and legacy of residential schools.
“It’s heartening to see people come out and get connected,” Stevens said. “As an Indigenous person, it gives me hope that we are moving forward, bringing hearts and minds together in a better way.”
The day is also a reminder of the resilience of his people. “We have a responsibility to carry language, songs and traditions forward. In doing so, we honour those who came before us and those who are coming behind us.”
McKenzie Frosch works as an Indigenous student adviser with the York Region District School Board. She credits her grandmother, Geeg Doh Wug (“Those Who Speak”), with teaching her anishinaabe language and culture.
She welcomed the decision to expand the event this year, giving people the opportunity to hear from knowledge keepers.
Frosch said the event shows attitudes are changing. “We learn about everybody else’s history, but we don’t learn about ours very much, so today is a learning experience for everyone,” she said.
“Matthew Stevens spoke about many things I didn’t know, so I learn along with everyone. Hearing the speakers share their knowledge made this event more impactful.”
“Learning can sometimes be uncomfortable, but people want to be here. That shows we are moving in the right direction,” she said.
Frosch thanked everyone present. “The truth has to be repeated, but reconciliation is equally important,” she said. “We need to build relationships filled with humility, trust and responsibility.”
For Dawn Zimmermann, the day is personal. She has attended every year since the first flag raising in 2021. When she was a child, her closest friend was from the Chippewas of Georgina Island. One day, the friend disappeared. It took 40 years before Zimmermann learned where she had gone.
She said, “Atoning and reconciling for Canada’s dark history is very important to me. We must work hard to make sure our country and our people come together.”
What stayed with her most, she said, was Stevens evoking the trauma of residential schools. “Many people know nothing about that,” she added.
Attendee Margaret Van Den Hazel said “I believe Indigenous people were wronged. It’s only justice that we try to make it up and change our way of thinking.”
The crowd came to listen, and many left wanting to learn more. For the speakers, that is a sign of progress.
“We are moving forward,” Stevens said.
To learn more, visit georgina.ca/TruthandReconciliation
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- Community gathers to listen, learn and raise the Chippewas’ flag - October 2, 2026
- Art With a Soul: A Weekend on the Georgina Studio Tour - September 30, 2026
