Healing with Music: Truth and Reconciliation in Pabineau

On September 27th, Pabineau First Nation came together for a powerful evening of reflection, healing, and music in honour of Truth and Reconciliation. The event welcomed over 100 attendees, filling the space with community spirit and unity.

We were honoured to be joined by Premier Holt and her husband Jon, along with Minister Marco LeBlanc, Minister René Legacy, Mayor Paul Arseneault, Mayor Kim Chamberlain, and Councillor Charles Doucet from Belle-Baie. Their presence reflected the importance of community partnerships and a shared commitment to reconciliation.

The music was nothing short of sensational, bringing together generations and lifting spirits. Elders were present, and together we paid tribute to our ancestors while envisioning a brighter, more connected future.

Chief Terry Richardson reflected:

“It was great to have the Premier and her husband Jon in our community for our Healing with Music event, as well as Minister Marco LeBlanc, Minister René Legacy, Mayor Paul Arseneault, Mayor Kim Chamberlain, and Councillor Charles Doucet from Belle-Baie.”

📸 Thank you to Steven R. Peter-Paul for the fabulous collection of photos and videos capturing the afternoon’s beauty.

This gathering was also a moment to come together as a community and boldly claim that Every Child Matters. Every child is remembered, and the traumas of the Sixties Scoop remain fresh in our memories.

The movement continues to call on all Canadians to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, and the families and communities forever changed. Pabineau continues to peacefully ask for justice for those who harmed the children, while also calling for reconciliation on every front—economic, cultural, community, and environmental.

We believe that reconciliation is more than reflection—it is action. By working side by side, First Nations and government can create a healthy, symbiotic relationship that strengthens communities, fortifies futures, and ensures that history is never repeated. Together, with respect, compassion, and commitment, we move forward in the ongoing work of reconciliation for generations to come.

Pabineau continues to call for justice and for reconciliation on every front—cultural, social, economic, and environmental.