Sudbury police reconciliation relay invites more participation

Police in Greater Sudbury want more participation in annual events that are meant to educate people about residential schools.

What started as an internal initiative by the Greater Sudbury Police Service to raise awareness about trauma and loss caused by Canada’s residential school system has turned into an annual event marking its fourth year.

The announcement for this year’s Truth & Reconciliation Relay started Wednesday with a smudging ceremony.

What is a smudging ceremony?

“Smudging is a ceremonial practice that holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for many Indigenous peoples in Canada,” Inn From the Cold said on its website.

“Smudging involves the burning of sacred herbs, typically sage, sweetgrass, cedar, or tobacco, and the ritualistic use of the smoke for cleansing, purifying, and connecting with the spiritual realm.”

Walk, run or cycle

Since its inception in 2022, the relay – held in September and culminates with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation -- has seen other Greater Sudbury organizations join in with teams logging kilometres they walk, run or cycle.

“We all have a role to play in moving forward and mending the wrongs that have that have been done,” said Const. Anik Dennie, one of the creators of the event.

“So, as an organization ... how can you move forward in a good way?”

Last year, the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee (JCSC) was recognized for having 100 per cent staff participation in the event, winning the ‘Championing Change’ paddle.

“The work we do with the water, watershed and the Indigenous communities, how we can do better and be better allies and build those meaningful relationships at a speed of trust, and have those positive intentions as well,” said Miranda Virtanen, the committee’s executive director.

Represents moving forward

The physical portion of the relay represents moving forward not just in kilometres, but in understanding and reconciliation.

This year, police are inviting schools from the four local school boards to take part.

Elementary schools will participate in a colouring contest, while secondary schools will participate in physical activity.

“It’s not a competition at all,” said Const. Darrell Rivers.

“It’s just schools against schools. They can use their own mascots for team names, but really, the whole heart of it is learning and educating all the youth.”

Kilometres representing children affected

This year’s goal is to log a total of 150,000 kilometres, representing the number of children forced into residential schools across the country.

Despite not reaching the goal last year, Dennie said she didn’t see it as a failure, adding true reconciliation can’t happen overnight.

“It was a reminder that we need to continue to do this. We need to continue to put in the work because we’re not there yet, nor will we ever truly be there,” she said.

“It was humbling to see those (total kilometre) numbers and to be reminded of the work that still needs to be put in.”

Dennie suggests that when participants head out to log their kilometres during the month of September, she hopes they’ll pick one of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Report to reflect on during their activity.

“Together, we’ll all move for change,” she said.