First Light holds Rally for Reconciliation in St. John’s

First Light held its Rally for Reconciliation Wednesday afternoon in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The event took place at Northbank Lodge in Pippy Park in St. John’s, bringing together members of the First Light community and the public to honour residential school survivors and remember those who never returned home.

The rally featured speeches from Elders, survivors and community members focused on the resilience of residential school survivors.

Participants also took part in a Memorial Walk to honour and remember children and others who died or never returned home from residential schools.

Community members were encouraged to wear orange in support of survivors and their loved ones, while those with drums were invited to participate in songs during the event.

First Light's Rally for Reconciliation was held on Sept. 30, which is recognized nationally as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and is also observed as Orange Shirt Day.