Project of Heart graduates from across the National Capital Region gathered at Rideau Hall this past month to help the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) launch its “five year journey” to educate Canadians about the residential school era.

In a two day program culminating with a  “Witnessing the Future” encounter hosted by Governor General Michaelle Jean, POH participants David Choiniere, Kheyahna Meekis, Evana Smith, Emianna Vargatoth and Daniel Wiggins were recognized for their contribution to remembering the students who died in the care of the Mohawk Institute, a notorious residential school located in southwestern Ontario.

In preparation for the ceremony, POH students joined in a workshop along with youth from across Canada brought together through the TRC. They included five older youth affiliated with Canadian Roots, an organization working with young people to address the pressing need for reconciliation around the issue of residential schools, as well as ten young people who are grandchildren of IRS survivors. Together, the students produced clay sculptures to present to survivors as gestures of reconciliation.

Click on the photo above to see a photoset including images from both the prepatory workshop and the “Witnessing the Future” event itself.