Photo Essay: STU recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation took place on Sept. 30, giving Canadians the opportunity to reflect on and honour children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

Ceremonies at St. Thomas University and in the greater Fredericton community marked the day for residents. The Aquinian’s photo editor, Daniel Salas, provided his photo coverage of this year’s ceremonies.

A student from St. Thomas University plays their drum and shares a Wolastoqey song during an on-campus event on Sept. 29, 2022. (Daniel Salas/AQ)

St. Thomas University elder-in-residence, Miigam’agan, poses for a portrait after a ceremony recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 29, 2022. (Daniel Salas/AQ)

Those who attended the ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022, at St. Thomas University showed solidarity with Indigenous Peoples by wearing orange shirts. (Daniel Salas/AQ)

A person lights a ceremonial fire at the Psi-Te Wasis Okimqosu Olotahkewakon “Every Child Matters” ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022. (Daniel Salas/AQ)

A speaker at the Psi-Te Wasis Okimqosu Olotahkewakon “Every Child Matters” ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022, explains the importance of the female figure for Indigenous Peoples. (Daniel Salas/AQ)

A person burns tobacco in the ceremonial fire at the Psi-Te Wasis Okimqosu Olotahkewakon “Every Child Matters” ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022. (Daniel Salas/AQ)

Wolastoq Grand Chief Ron Tremblay explains the importance of burning tobacco for Indigenous People at the Psi-Te Wasis Okimqosu Olotahkewakon “Every Child Matters” ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022. (Daniel Salas/AQ)

A minute of silence to honour the lives of Indigenous children brings the Psi-Te Wasis Okimqosu Olotahkewakon “Every Child Matters” ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022, to a close. (Daniel Salas/AQ)