On September 30, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care in partnership with Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation will hold their first ever run in the spirit of truth and reconciliation: Honouring our Children.
The run will take place on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation—a day to honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
“This is a day to reflect, learn, educate, and to remember all the children that never made it back home. We also honour the children that did make it home, and their strength and determination for surviving the Residential Schools. We hope that this event encourages people to reflect on the history of residential schools and the ongoing impacts it has on our community,” says Natalie Paavola, director of Health Services.
The event is in support of Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation – an Anishinabek-led charity that works to support opportunities for the health, happiness, and well-being of Anishinabek children. They focus on providing bursaries for recreational, educational, cultural and leadership opportunities.
“Children dream big! We want to be able to help them live out their big dreams and have access to what makes them happy. Every child deserves the opportunity to just be kids, and Mazinaajim works to promote well-rounded support that ensures children are getting all of the opportunities they need and want to fulfill their dreams,” says Kelly Fortier, president of Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is also a p.a. day, giving students and families the chance to participate in activities, such as the Honouring our Children Run.
Although the event is called a “run,” individuals are welcome to participate in the way that is most comfortable for them, whether that’s by running, walking or rolling. It’s a family-friendly event, and people can choose to complete a half marathon, 10 km or 5 km.
The event begins at 8:30 am at Boulevard Lake. For those wishing to complete a half marathon, their start time is right at 8:30 am. Folks looking to do 10 km will begin at 9:30 am, and 5 km will begin at 10:00 am. At 11:00 am, three speakers will share remarks on the run and on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
In addition to the run itself, attendees can enjoy an orange chalk art station, and food and craft vendors. Raffle tickets and orange shirts will be available for purchase as well.
Registration is open until the day of the run, and individuals who register in advance will receive a complimentary t-shirt and medal. Registration is $60-$120 depending on run length and participant age, and can be completed via Eventbrite.
For more information and updates on the Reconciliation Run, visit facebook.com/honouringourchildren
