By Alyssa Johnston
Expo Reporter
OSAKA, Japan — It was a spontaneous moment, but one that brought extra meaning to the in-house commemoration of Truth and Reconciliation Day at the Canada Pavilion here at Expo 2025.
In a back-of-house reception room that is usually used to greet visiting dignitaries in front of a row of flags, or host corporate receptions, some of the staff who have been working in Canada’s pavilion at Expo gathered to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Marie-Josee Dandeneau, a musician visiting Expo to perform with Kelly Bado at a Canada Live music event, had asked if she could sing.
Dandeneau is Metis of French and Anishinaabe descent from the Red River Nation. Her mother comes from the Red River Valley (Ile de la Cross Nation) and her father comes from Penetanguishene, Treaty 61.
She chose to perform the Anishinaabe Kwe Honour song.
“Today, we share the Anishinaabe Kwe Honour Song. In Anishinaabemowin, ‘kwe’ means woman,” she said. “This song honours the strength, love, and resilience of Anishinaabe women — the life-givers, the caregivers, and the knowledge keepers of our Nations.
“We also recognize that Every Child Matters, affirming the dignity and rights of all children and remembering the legacy of residential schools. Let us honour the women who nurture our communities and commit to ensuring that every child is cherished and safe.”
Dandeneau said the song was taught to her by elder Sharon Thunderbird and that she wanted to sing in Osaka to remember the work of Truth and Reconciliation at home, in Canada.
“The TRC reminds us to face the truths of our history – the harm caused by residential schools, the silencing of languages, and the impact on families and communities. But it also calls us to walk together toward healing, respect, and understanding,” she said.
“By sharing this song, we not only celebrate women, but we also carry forward the voices, stories, and spirits that were once silenced. This is reconciliation in action: honouring the past and building a future where all voices are valued.”
Outside the iconic pavilion structure, the Truth and Reconciliation Day flag flew alongside the maple leaf.
