In an event filled with raw emotion, remembrance and hope, hundreds of people wearing orange made their way through downtown Wallaceburg in a show of support Monday.
In an event filled with raw emotion, remembrance and hope, hundreds of people wearing orange made their way through downtown Wallaceburg in a show of support Monday.
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The third annual Truth and Reconciliation healing walk and gathering was one of many held across Canada to mark the national day dedicated to those who attended residential schools, and those who never came home.
It was a chance for survivors to tell their stories, while others in the community were able to listen and learn about the abuse that occurred, including the loss of culture for Indigenous people.
Bill Sands, who was 11 when he was taken away, was at a residential school for four years.
“As a lot of you know, we never spoke about this,” he said. “Ever. I didn’t.”
It has been painful for many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across the country, as wounds were reopened with the discovery of children’s remains in recent years.
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But it meant a lot to see everyone come together, Sands said, noting he’s heartened the public is making an effort to educate themselves and understand the impact.
Joanne Day, a survivor who said the opening and closing prayer, became emotional at times.
“I’m happy to see everyone here and all the children,” she said, adding they will carry on in remembrance.
Along her healing journey, Day admitted “little things happen that remind you of the past,” but believes people now recognize the hurt.
About 300 people took part Monday, with the walk starting at the Wallaceburg library and ending at Civic Square Park. The event featured speakers, traditional drumming, dancing and song, and a moment of silence.
The gathering was organized by the Walpole Island Employment and Training Program and Chatham-Kent’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Strategy.
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Leela Thomas, newly elected chief of Walpole Island First Nation, called it crucial to build on the partnerships.
She said the childhoods were essentially taken away from many survivors.
“We acknowledge the impact it had on family and community,” she said. “It’s really affecting us today and will continue to affect us in the future.
“The first part of healing is acknowledging the trauma and the horrifying stories that happened,” she added.
Hannah Cruickshank, Walpole’s interim employment and training program manager, said there have been more and more orange shirts with each passing year.
“Every year, it feels like this event grows and grows,” she said. “I am especially happy that we have our school boards involved.
“The whole purpose of this day is to keep the story going and keep sharing the truth with our next generation. . . (So) it doesn’t get forgotten, it doesn’t get lost.”
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