Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s is on Williams Lake First Nation territory today, meeting with and hearing from members of the Nation.
Trudeau’s visit comes in response to the January announcement of the discovery of 93 reflections of possible unmarked graves at the former St Joseph’s Mission Residential School.
Trudeau was welcomed to the territory this morning with a gift presentation and drumming and dancing ceremony.
Gifts from the Nation to the PM included a pair of drums representing the heartbeat of the Nation’s people, a book written by Chief Willie Sellars, and an original painting by Kevin Easthope.
Later in the ceremony, Trudeau was presented with a hand crafted gift for his wife, signifying the 93 reflections in the colours associated with truth an reconciliation.
They asked if Trudeau could pose for a photo with his wife holding the gift on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
During the ceremony, Trudeau also presented Chief Sellars with a gift of his own: a print of a raven and an eagle, created by Coast Salish artist Alvin Mack from Bella Coola.
Trudeau said his visit is to indicate that all of Canada grieves with the Nation and their feelings of deep loss stemming from the legacy of the residential school system.
From there, Trudeau listened to stories from Elders and survivors before speaking with media.
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