Events Calendar
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of these institutions.
The City of Hamilton invites community members to gather in reflection, learning, and healing as we acknowledge the lasting impacts of residential school and commit to the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
Wednesday, September 30 Event Schedule
Sunrise Ceremony – 7 am
Begin the day in a good way with ceremony and teachings to honour Survivors and remember the children who never returned home. Open to all community members.
Morning Gathering – 10am to 12pm
A community event of reflection, awareness, and learning featuring:
- Tradition Indigenous opening & closing by Gimaa Stacey LaForme
- Spirit Vision Drum & Dancers
- Greetings from Councillor Kroetsch & Mayor Horwath
- Poetry - January Rogers
- Keynote Speaker/Author - Dr. Karen Hill
Featured Speakers and Performers
Gimaa R. Stacey LaForme is a respected Indigenous leader, author, and poet from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN). Born and raised in the Mississauguas of the Credit First Nation community, he served as Chief and dedicated more than two decades serving his community in elected leadership, including seven terms as Councillor. He has been a strong advocate for First Nations visibility, community engagement and Indigenous leadership. Through his writing and poetry, he shares stories, teachings, and perspectives that invite reflection and connection.
Karenna’onwe (Gaw-law-naw-oo-way), Dr. Karen Hill is an award-winning Mohawk physician from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She is passionate about bringing Traditional Indigenous Knowledge back to the centre of life and healthcare for Indigenous peoples. Dr. Hill co-created Juddah’s Place, a collaborative Indigenous healthcare practice at Six Nations, and is the author of The Good Mind, the first book in planned four-part series. She also hosts the Two Row Medicine podcast, sharing teachings and insight grounded in Kaswentha (Two Row Wampum) and the Original Instructions.
January Rogers is a Mohawk/Tuscarora writer, poet, and media producer from Six Nations of the Grand River. Her work brings together poetry, storytelling, and media to explore Indigenous identity, culture and contemporary experiences. Her award-winning audio and video poetry has been recognized nationally and internationally and she has been a literary mentor with Audible’s Indigenous Writers Circle since 2022.
Spirit Vision Drum Group and Dancers
Jamie Johns and Luke Johns have performed in Hamilton for nearly 30 years and bring more than 30 years combined experience. With friends and family coming and going, the name Spirit Vision has come to represent their commitment to staying focused on their spiritual journey and the values they hold close to their hearts: Our Spirit Vision. Sharon Johns has been dancing for more than 25 years both as a Jingle dress dancer and currently as a Fancy Shawl Dancer. Kristen Shoemaker has been dancing for over 14 years as Traditional Dancer and currently as a Jingle Dress Dancer.
Additional Resources
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