Manitobans for Healing and Reconciliation
National Day of Healing and Reconciliation Launch - May 25, 2008
At The Oodena (East of Johnston Terminal)
The Forks Historic Site in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Sunrise: 5:30 am
As the new day dawns on May 25, 2008, a sacred fire will be lit to begin the historic work that we are collectively called upon to do… ‘To become educated on our collective history and move forward toward healing and reconciliation together’.

Our sacred Pipes will be gathered and loaded to thank our Creator for all of creation and to ensure that our ancestors are present and leading the work that we are embarking on.

10:30 – 12:00 NDHR Opening Ceremonies

Special Guests
Hosts: Ruth Murdock & Greg Murdock – Residential School Survivors

• Elders Linda McEvoy, Phyllis Keeper, Dave Courchene
• Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Representatives, Assembly of First Nations Representative
• Lance Runners  
• Drum – Iskwewak Singers, Strong Turtle Singers, Co Co Stevenson, Sue Allen Family
• Troy Westwood – Little Hawk, Dennis Chartrand, Marlow the Magician, Gospel Choir
•  Joy Keeper – Guest Speaker on Intergenerational Impacts of IRS

Honour Ceremony:  A ceremony to honour the Lance Runners – a group of 60 Cree youth who in 2005 ran 2000 miles to Ottawa to bring the message to the political leaders of this Country, that May 26 should be set aside as a day for healing and reconciliation. 

Wiping of the Tears Ceremony: A ceremony in memory of the eight Cree children from Bunibonibee -Oxford House who lost their lives in a plane crash in 1972 returning home from Indian Residential School.

12:30 – 1:00 Bring your Picnic Lunch/ Marlowe the Magician

1:00 - 5:00 “Under a Listening Tent” - Music, Speaking and Listening

Thoughts on Healing and Reconciliation.

6:00 The Medicine of Laughter

Indigenous Language Agent/Facilitator and Performer–Dennis Chartrand

As the grandfather sun sets, our Oshkaabewis will extinguish the sacred fire.

For more information:  Contact Kimberley @ 204- 794-5891 or Jessie @ 204- 582-1822