Six Nations Elected Council and Six Nations Police are partnering to host a Community Day of Healing event this Saturday.

The event was organized to bring community members of Six Nations together to help them heal from recent tragedies that have taken place within the community. Most recently, Ontario Provincial Police Officer Greg Pierzchala was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 27 just outside of Hagersville.

The community is also involved in multiple lawsuits with provincial and federal Governments regarding Indian Day School survivors seeking compensation for the damages and abuses suffered by former Indian Day School students. The community also is currently seeking to be included in the First Nations Drinking Water Settlement as an Impacted First Nation.

Chief Mark Hill spoke on what his hopes are to come from the Community day of Healing event.

"I think just with all of the sadness and tragedies, there's been a lot that I think our community has been going through over the last couple of years" he said. "We've partnered up with many other organizations and departments as well who will be set up, as well as some community entertainment. It's really meant to be a positive event for our community to come together."

The event will feature a traditional language and English opening, vendors geared toward wellness and healing, traditional singers, traditional dancers, lunch and a sacred fire burning for the community to burn tobacco during a prayer.

Hill stressed that SNEC hope to continue to provide opportunities like this event for community members to come together.

"Again, it's not a one and done type of thing. Our goal is to continue to have these types of events. We've all experienced loss and sadness and this is just one way we are trying to bring our community together."

The Community Day of Healing event will feature local artists and organizations' activities for community members to enjoy. The event takes place on Feb.18 at the Community Hall (1738 Fourth Line) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Its is a free event and all community members are welcome. Transportation will be provided to those who reserve a spot. Anyone in need of transportation is being urged to book a ride by calling (519)445-2418.

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