Hundreds gather in Fredericton for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Hundreds of New Brunswickers, dressed in orange shirts, walked from the St. Mary's old reserve on Fredericton's north side to Officers' Square to acknowledge and honour the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Chief Allan Polchies of Sitansisk First Nation, also known as St. Mary's, said he was pleased to see many allies, communities and children come together for a day of reflection in honour of the day.

And he also took the opportunity to urge people to question political leaders during the election campaign.

"Going into the election, and today's reflection of the 94 calls to action, is a good time to have those conversations, for New Brunswickers to have those conversations," said Polchies,

"Those leaders that are knocking on your door, ask them what they are doing to move forward on the healing path."   

Polchies said there is no relationship between the most recent government and Indigenous communities in the province and he wants that to change.

"We're trying to find a government that wants to have a nation-to-nation relationship, and there are leaders out there that want to have that relationship," he said, "I'm not endorsing anyone but what I'm telling you is that Higgs needs to go." 

Mali Coulombe attended the event with her two daughters, aged three and five, and said they have been educated about the history of colonization in Canada and the residential school system that came after. 

"I just think it's important that they understand what today means and why we honour it," she said. 

Peter Silk brought his partner and two dogs to the event to show his support for Indigenous Peoples. 

"I think it's a wonderful thing that we've finally come to terms, or are getting to terms, with some of the wrongs of the past," he said. 

Sandi McKessock said people "need to do better, Canada as a whole, people as a whole, we need to do better, we need to be kinder, more compassionate."  

And John Hossack said he and his wife Kim Sparks brought their kids to the event to hear Indigenous voices. 

"We think bringing our kids to these events is important to listen to Indigenous voices, to help with reconciliation and making amends and building that strong ongoing relationship between the Indigenous nations and Canadians across our country.