A sacred fire, 100 neighbours, and a town learning its true history

At Kelso Beach in Owen Sound, more than 100 people gathered around a ceremonial fire at the Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students, elders, and the mayor listened, burned sage and cedar in a purification ritual, and carried home sweetgrass. "For the young ones to understand and put it into words," said garden chair Trish Meekins, "warms my heart."