JASON SETNYK
The second annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony took place last week at Lamoureux Park, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIW2S). The ceremony aims to raise awareness, encourage reconciliation, and support grieving families.
A red-lit tree stands in the park, each bulb symbolizing a life lost. “The lights here tonight represent lives. Real people, real families, real loss,” said Cornwall Police Service Chief Shawna Spowart. “It’s about taking action to make sure these atrocities never happen again.” The event featured an opening address by Kaylee Jacco and a powerful keynote speech from Dr. Sarah Konwahahawi Herne, a Kanienkehaka scholar and national advocate for Indigenous justice.
Farhana Meghji, Equity and Belonging Specialist, called on the community to reflect and act: “Each light represents hope, for those we have lost, for those still seeking justice, and for the generations that will follow.”
Since 2022, 14 Ontario police services have joined the initiative, aiming to see red-lit trees across the nation.
L’article Lighting remembrance, demanding action est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
