National Aboriginal Day at Woodland Cultural Centre

Their Excellencies celebrated the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day at the Woodland Cultural Centre, a former residential school in Brantford, Ontario.

During the tour, Their Excellencies met a residential school survivor who shared his story.

Afterwards, Their Excellencies took a tour of the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School, the longest-running residential school in Canada (1828-1970). In 2013, the institute’s building—one of only two still standing in Ontario—suffered severe and costly roof damage, prompting Woodland to launch the Save the Evidence campaign.

“As honorary witnesses of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Sharon and I understand the importance of learning about residential schools and the impact they had on First Nations people in order to work towards healing the wounds of the past and creating a better future for all,” said the Governor General. “National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity to continue to tell the complete story of Canada and to celebrate the great contributions Aboriginal peoples have made to this country.”

Upon arrival at the Woodland Cultural Centre, Their Excellencies met with Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Chief Ava Hill of the Six Nations of the Grand River to discuss the importance of preserving the Centre and the Save the Evidence campaign.

After the formal ceremony, Their Excellencies enjoyed some traditional dancing.

"Let’s never allow ourselves to forget about those children who were boarded here, who tried to run away, who were inhumanely punished. As a lifelong educator, I’m deeply disturbed by the residential school system’s betrayal of the most fundamental principles of learning."

The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario also delivered remarks during the ceremony to mark this important day.

During the ceremony, Chief Ava Hill spoke about the significance of National Aboriginal Day.

Their Excellencies thanked the residential school survivor for sharing his story, allowing current and future generations to better understand the history of the residential school system.