The North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Society (NTACS) held a dedication ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 17 at Dutch Lake Community Centre.
The ceremony was in honour of the 215 possible graves of children who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School, known as the ‘Missing Children.’
In honour of the children, the NTACS has begun the memorial by hanging wooden teddy bears that will be permanently attached along the fence bordering the DLCC and the Clearwater RCMP detachment, both supporting the memorial. This memorial replaces the previous stuffed teddy bears along the Highway 5 fence line near the high school with a lasting wooden teddy bear.
There was a sacred drumming ceremony and walk to commemorate the loving gesture by those gathered and individuals began the placement of each hand made wooden teddy bear with emotion and reverence.
On Sept. 30, 2023 the NTACS will be holding a day-long event at Dutch Lake Community Centre during National Truth and Reconciliation Day starting at 11 a.m. with a dinner at the end of the day.
Please pre-register for the dinner at the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Society Gift Shop at 3-98 Old North Thompson Highway in Clearwater no later than Monday, Sept. 25.
There will also be a special memorial blanket dance for Rose McArthur, a beloved elder who is lovingly remembered.
This will be a free cultural event and all cultures are welcome.
