Marking a Change

While conversations about truth and reconciliation are taking place throughout the country and on national stages, the absence of visible public monuments speaks louder than words.

This lack of visibility leaves little opportunity for everyday reflection and serves as a reminder of why it is important to turn conversations into action. 

For those in the community of Hawkesbury, Ontario, Indigenous Peoples remain largely unseen despite making up more than 4% of the population. The parish community, sitting on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Omàmìwininìwag/Omàmiwinini Nation, is preparing to make a statement as it approaches the 100th anniversary of its Saint-Pierre-Apôtre Church. The community is unveiling two memorial granite benches to commemorate Indigenous resilience. Each bench will be engraved with a call to reconciliation: “En reconnaissance du peuple Anishinaabe, et dans la promesse de marcher ensemble vers la reconciliation.” (In recognition of the Anishinaabe people, and in the promise to walk together towards reconciliation.) and “Amour et vérité se rencontrent, justice et paix s’embrassent. -Psaume 84,11” (Love and truth meet, justice and peace embrace. -Psalm 84:11).

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is providing support to ensure the benches are unveiled on September 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day. These landmarks are an important statement urging Catholics to move beyond words into concrete acts that encourage healing and build trust. By situating symbols of reconciliation in the heart of the community, Saint-Pierre-Apôtre Parish is contributing to a new legacy committed to awareness and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples that will foster meaningful change.

Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall