In May 2021, the discovery of 215 unmarked graves on the grounds of the Indian Residential School in Kamloops, B.C. laid bare the injustices of Canada’s policies and practices and opened many Canadians to want to “do something” to show their support toward rectifying this legacy. It was a turning point. On September 30th, 2021, the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, over 200 people gathered at the Bobcaygeon Library to honour the children who died in Indian Residential Schools, the survivors, and all the families who are still feeling the impact. People of all walks of life are looking for ways to make a difference beyond a one day a year event.

Acquiring this land will allow a once in a lifetime opportunity to re-envision it as a place for everyone to gather and learn together. It will serve as a place to offer active programs for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous youth and adults focussed on land-based learning using Indigenous knowledge, culture, and language. What makes this project so special is that it is an equal partnership of members from both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities. Creating this together is what building relationships is all about.