As part of Friday’s National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Dolores Naponse will throw the first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Boston Red Sox.
Naponse, 72, is an Indigenous elder, advocate and survivor of an Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation boarding school southwest of Sudbury.
Her presence is a reminder of the need to know the history of what happened to the dorm victims.
“What I hope people learn from this — Canada, all of Canada is learning from this — is how we were taken away, how hurt we were in those schools, and the loneliness we went through while we were there,” Naponse said.
Naponse was an active advocate on many issues. Her daughter is proud of what her mother survived and achieved.
“She has done so much work for our communities and never asked for anything,” said Lisa Marie Naponse.
“She took a walk around Ontario in 2000 to raise awareness about diabetes. She is a member of our health committee here in our community. And she has done so much for survivors in our community.”
For her part, Dolores Naponse said she is looking forward to coming to Toronto. She said she’s throwing the first pitch to help survivors and communities move forward in a good way.
“I’m looking forward to going there,” she said.
“My family supports me and we have the Atikameksheng Blue Jays Care Teams from the seven First Nations who will be there. So it’s going to be an exciting time not just for me, but for all First Nations.”
That summer, several North Shore First Nations participated in a Jays Care Indigenous Rookie Baseball League for children ages 7 to 15, including Naponse’s grandchildren.