Free concert honours first Truth and Reconciliation Day Sept. 30

The Regent Theatre is raising the curtain since being dark due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a live and online concert in honour of the new national Truth and Reconciliation Day, Thursday, Sept. 30.

In Canada, Sept. 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost indigenous children and residential school survivors, their families and communities and coincides with Orange Shirt Day which was started in 2013. Creating the holiday was one of the 94 calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015.

Federal offices, banks and post offices will be closed. However, the province has joined Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Quebec in choosing not to recognize the day as a statutory holiday.

Also this week, students at every Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board facility will be engaging with age-appropriate learning to gain a better understanding about Truth and Reconciliation.

While in-person tickets are sold out, everybody is invited to join in online to watch the Picton Regent Theatre’s inaugural Truth & ReconciliACTION Day Concert featuring David R Maracle, Tom Wilson, and Digging Roots with a special opening performance by Eaoh Argos. The event is sponsored by the County of Prince Edward’s Community and Economic Development Commission.

Click here to reserve free live-stream tickets for the show being broadcast from 8-10 p.m. 

Artist bios from the Regent:

David R Maracle

David R Maracle (Tehanenia’kwe:tarons) of the Bear Clan, was born the seventh son for Andrew C. Maracle (Mohawk, Turtle Clan) and Lillian J. Maracle (Scottish, Bruce Clan) and lived his first 12 years of life on the Akwesasne Mohawk Reserve. He has always been a strong advocate regarding Indigenous rights, language, education, and he continues to take an active role in educating people through his art, music, and workshops. A multi-award winner in various categories, David’s accolades include being signed to numerous global record deals, winning the Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards for Best Instrumental Album 2007, and recently his 17th CD entitled The Best of DAVID R. MARACLE was released.

Tom Wilson, aka Lee Harvey Osmond, is a Canadian music legend, famed storyteller and visual artist. Wilson’s memoir, Beautiful Scars published by Penguin/Random House has become a national bestseller. In his memoir, Wilson reveals the impact of discovering his indigenous heritage. Musically, Wilson is best known for his work with Blackie & The Rodeo Kings and Lee Harvey Osmond, the latter receiving a 2020 Juno Award for the album “Mohawk.”

“Over the course of discovering my true identity, the intention of my writing, my music and my art is to reduce the gap between my indigenous culture and colonialists to make a more patient, loving community.”

Digging Roots

Digging Roots breathe life into songs from their land, Turtle Island, to raise their voices in solidarity with a global chorus of Indigenous artists, activists and change-makers. For over a decade, JUNO Award winners Digging Roots have traveled the world with a joyful message of resistance, celebrating Anishinabe and Onkwehonwe traditions of round dance and interconnectedness interwoven with the bedrock sounds of blues, soul and rock n’ roll.

The beating hearts of Digging Roots, founding duo ShoShona and Raven, have built a home for a talented community of players and collaborators including their son, drummer Skye Polson and Hill Kourkoutis. More than a band, Diggings Roots have taken their place at the frontline of the fight for equity and representation in the arts, with involvement in industry advocacy and organization, including the International Indigenous Music Summit and Ishkode Records, to empower arts communities worldwide.

Eaoh Argos

Eaoh Argos strives to encourage others in finding themselves.

Her upcoming album, “VEIL” talks about weakness, strength, equality, love, and bringing mental-health issues to light. She utilizes music as a message-bringer to the world, in an attempt to be heard.