Today, I went to visit Victoria Island in the middle of the Ottawa River. It is sacred to the Algonquin. On my way home, I saw a dog carrying a huge bundle of decorated hearts on planting stakes! "Hello, my name is Sus Zul, which means Spirit Bear in English," I said. "What is your name?" "My name is Jake," he replied. "I help my friend Mick fix big trucks back home in Prince George, BC, but today I am volunteering as an official reconciliation support dog." I was surprised! "Prince George? That is where I am from, too! I am a proud membear of the Carrier-Sekani Tribal Council. "What are you doing with all those hearts?" I asked. "Well," said Jake, "the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (they call it TRC for short) is having its closing ceremonies in a few days and asked children to make hearts in memory of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who went to residential schools. I am collecting the hearts from schools to take them to Rideau Hall for the ceremony. There are too many for me to carry. Do you want to help?" Excerpted from Spirit Bear: Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams: Based on a True Story by Cindy Blackstock All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.