On December 9, 2023, the Giiwedin Anang Program management, staff, and volunteers came together to say goodbye to the Bellwood’s Location. The program was located at the St. Mathias Church on Bellwood Street since 2020 because of Covid-19. This location was selected to accommodate the need for families to be able to gather and socially distance themselves and continue to have the ability to run the program.
The Giiwedin Anang Program offers alternate dispute resolution for families to help them remain connected. The Giiwedin Anang Community Council, which is made up of community volunteers, came together to share their experiences at the space and have a ceremony to honour the work that was done with the families.
The Bellwood location had greenspace that allowed ALS to put up a tipi for gatherings. This space was used to hold weekly sacred fires in the tipi to honour the 215 children, whose remains were found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in 2021. We thank the Elders and staff who held the weekly sacred fires in honour of the children.
The Giiwedin Anang Community Council volunteers were thanked and provided gifts for all their community service. We look forward to meeting with them again in the new year at Giiwedin Anang’s new home at 211 Yonge Street.
Chantell Barker