The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is on Friday and there are plenty of events across Chatham-Kent all week to commemorate the occasion.
The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
A flag-raising ceremony took place at the Civic Centre in Chatham on Monday to kick off Truth and Reconciliation Week. There's also a healing walk and gathering on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. starting at the Wallaceburg public library on James Street and ending at the Civic Square Park on Dufferin Avenue. Everyone attending is being asked to wear orange to show support for reconciliation efforts and help heal and nurture hope and reconciliation in communities.
"Chatham-Kent’s population is made up of 4% Indigenous people, a high percentage compared to other cities. This is a time to come together, celebrate wellness and educate as a community,” said Executive Director of Ska:na Family Learning Centre Faith Hale at the flag-raising.
You can find a list of other events and activities by clicking here.
The two biggest school boards in Chatham-Kent are also commemorating the day and week.
The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is encouraging students and staff to wear orange shirts on Friday, adding this is a meaningful way for school communities to join together in the spirit of reconciliation and is a symbolic reminder that “Every Child Matters."
"We acknowledge the devastating truths outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and understand the ongoing legacy of trauma and harm of colonialism and residential schools on survivors, their families and communities," wrote the school board in a statement. "We commit to taking steps to learn the history, current realities and ongoing effects of residential schools and advocate for change."
Flags at all LKDSB schools and facilities will also be lowered on Friday.
The St. Clair Catholic District Schol Board (SCCDSB) is also honouring all those who were impacted by residential schools.
"At St. Clair Catholic, we stand in solidarity with Canada’s First Nations and we commit to learning and action, as we understand the history we were never taught, on our journey of reconciliation through education, with students and staff," said Director of Education Scott Johnson.
Every Child Matters flags will fly all week at all SCCDSB schools to raise awareness and honour the memory of the children who never came home.
Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process, according to the Government of Canada.
Government officials said federal buildings, such as the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, will be illuminated in orange from Friday night to sunrise on Saturday to commemorate the day.
