Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote Visits Mikwite’tm Garden

Posted by Qalipu on
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215304816_523894948824363_5918956762434044540_nIt was a great pleasure to welcome Her Honour The Honourable Judy May Foote Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador for her first official visit to Mikwite’tm Garden. The morning of Friday, July 23rd at 10:30am Qalipu First Nation (QFN) hosted Her Honour Judy Foote and His Honour Howard Foote to the recently opened memorial garden honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Children, and Two-Spirted.

Many others joined QFN in welcoming the honoured guests including Qalipu councilors, staff, elders, community members, the Mi’kmaq Drumming and Cultural Circle Inc. together with Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association who provided ceremonial prayer, drumming, and a smudge. Respects during the garden visitation shown by attendance also included the Mayor of Corner Brook Jim Parsons, MP Gudie Hutchings, Grenfell University Vice-President Dr. Ian Sutherland, MHA Scott Reid, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Honourable Bernard Davis, Miss Newfoundland and Labrador Claire Hulan-Beck, and Bishop Bart van Roijen.

chief and lgChief Brendan Mitchell was honoured to have Her Honour Lieutenant Governor reach out to make this special request to come visit Mikwite’tm Garden. “Her tremendous compassion for women and children in this province is shown through her many years of involvement and interest. It was an appropriate visit to the garden, and it is a special place for all of us,” Chief Mitchell stated. He further commented that he will be looking forward to their next visit to Qalipu First Nation.

As the gathering to Mikwite’tm Garden came to an end it was evident the connection and understanding of the gardens message shows through to the community and across our province. Reflection in memory, honour, and respect for those Women, Girls, Children, and Two-Spirited lost and the work still left to be done to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples toward reconciliation was a strong message. Bringing all peoples together, Mikwite’tm Garden is a sacred place to seek whatever it is your mind needs – reflection, solitude, remembrance, hope – all are welcome.