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New West reconciliation event: “More than we could have hoped for.”

Hearts planted at Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams inaugural event

Mount Zion Lutheran Church helped community members plant hearts at its inaugural Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams event.

Community members of all ages were invited to help create a heart garden in memory of children lost to the residential school system, to honour residential school survivors and their families, and to support the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) at the June 4 event. Participants made paper hearts and placed them in the heart garden to show their commitment to reconciliation.

Vivienne Welters, a member of the MZ Community Connections Team that organized event, said the group was very happy with the turnout at its first Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams event.

“It was more than we could have hoped for our first time, including a perfect window of good weather during our time together,” she said. “We were pleased to connect with the neighbours and with Stacey Ferguson of the Qayqayt First Nation. And encouraged that new relationships have been started as, together, we learn more about our part in reconciliation.”

Before agreeing to host the Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams event, the MZ Community Connections Team insisted the event be supported by the Qayqayt First Nation, saying the initiative isn’t just about “doing something” but about building relationships with people. It also contacted the Caring Society, which lent its support to the Honouring Memories – Planting Dreams event.

Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca