A sea of orange descended on the Omniplex on September 30, as more than 500 people gathered for the first Truth and Reconciliation Round Dance.
The scent of tobacco and delicious food hung in the air, and the sound of laughter could be heard throughout the curling rink. Linda Prentice, one of the organizers of the event, felt it was a solid first step toward healing.
“As a whole, it went over really well,” she says.
Prentice was able to speak to many of the people who had attended. “They were all excited about it. They were really enjoying the evening.”
The doors opened at 5 p.m. and they danced until midnight. For those who’ve attended round dances before, it was a short event. Prentice says normally round dances can go on all through the night and into the next morning.
The two MCs of the event, Glen Waskewitch Sr. and Daniel Wildman, guided newcomers through the ceremony, explaining each part in detail so everyone knew what was happening.
Wilson Bearhead, a Nakota Elder of the Wabamun Lake First Nations, also attended the event. He spent time singing, but also gave a speech to the crowd.
“We need to change the narrative here in Canada,” he said.
Throughout the evening there were several examples of different dances, with the MCs pointing out how each dance told a different story. When the women danced, they kept their feet close to the floor to be close to Mother Earth.
Another group invited to dance was a Filipino dance group from the multicultural society. Von Eric Tandoc gave a speech about reconciliation, and then the dancers showed three traditional dances from their country.
“You need time and you need willingness,” said Tandoc. “You need an open heart.”
Joey Pete, a band councillor from Sunchild First Nations also spoke.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, doesn’t matter what colour you are, we’re all here under one roof – one mind, one soul, one heart,” he said
“It’s a huge step moving forward, and it’s still tough at the political level,” he said. “We’re still waiting to see the effects of truth and reconciliation.”
Bird said the Elders are all keenly aware of the responsibility they have. They don’t want to make mistakes that will cause grief for the upcoming generations.
Drayton Valley Mayor, Nancy Dodds, led the community in the first round dance of the evening. Some shed tears as they danced, feeling the peace and healing that was promised by the MCs to everyone earlier on.
Prentice says the group organizers are already getting together to plan another round dance for 2023.
