TRC National Closing Ceremony

The ceremony started with a prayer offered by Elder Evelyn Commanda Dewache.

The official closing event ended on the grounds of Rideau Hall. A choir sang for all those gathered.

Over 300 schoolchildren were on Rideau Hall grounds for the occasion.

Their Excellencies and the Commissioners, accompanied by their grandchildren were the last ones to plant hearts.

While the ceremony was taking place inside Rideau Hall's Ballroom, schoolchildren from the Ottawa-Gatineau region started to plant a Heart Garden.

Throughout the ceremony, items were placed in a Bentwood Box. Their Excellencies placed two photos: on of the gathering that took place at Rideau Hall in 2009 to launch the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the second will capture the closing gathering. Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Commission, stood and bared witness to the first photo placed by the Governor General.

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston hosted the closing ceremony of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) at Rideau Hall.

The Governor General delivered remarks on this occasion: "Education—learning—offers us the best chance of finding our way out of this situation. Our hope lies in learning, and an unwavering commitment to tolerance, respect and inclusiveness in our relationships. If we are to teach these values to our children, we ourselves must learn. This is the only way forward—the path by which we will create a country for all of our children and grandchildren to share. A country we can all be proud of."

A prayer offered to the children followed. Sarah Fontaine-Sinclair participated to the prayer on behalf of all grandchildren.

Two very young throat singers participated to the event.