Sarnia healing walk honours lost children, residential school survivors (GALLERY)

Hundreds of people gathered outside Sarnia City Hall Thursday morning to recognize the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

A traditional Indigenous smudging and opening ceremony took place ahead of an Every Child Matters March, along Sarnia's waterfront, organized by the Sarnia Native Friendship Centre.

"I'm here to promote and share stories about reconciliation and to support the survivors and to create awareness about the intergenerational trauma of the [residential] schools," said Marina Plain.

She also said it was great to see so many local residents show support.

"I'm hoping every year, it's going to grow," said Plain.

Aamjiwnaang Elder Wilson Plain Senior wasn't surprised by the significant showing of support.

"I think it's a natural thing. We as people look after each other historically and presently," he said.

Thursday's march started from Sarnia City Hall and ended at the Centennial Park Flag plaza.

The Town of Plympton-Wyoming, County of Lambton, and the City of Sarnia lowered flags to half-mast.

Meantime, hospitals in Sarnia and Petrolia marked National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by providing patients with orange shirts. Bluewater Health also made available a virtual greeting from Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain and a virtual prayer and smudge from local Elder Cecil Isaac.

The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day. September 30th was declared Orange Shirt Day in 2013, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad. Students and staff at schools across Sarnia-Lambton were encouraged to wear orange on Thursday.

Community members gather outside City Hall ahead of the Every Child Matters March. Sepember 30, 2021. (Photo by Natalia Vega.)

Opening ceremony held outside Sarnia City Hall. Sepember 30, 2021. (Photo by Natalia Vega.)

Opening ceremony held outside Sarnia City Hall. Sepember 30, 2021. (Photo by Natalia Vega.)

Smudging ceremony ahead of the Every Child Matters March. Sepember 30, 2021. (Photo by Natalia Vega.)

Community members gather outside City Hall ahead of the Every Child Matters March. Sepember 30, 2021. (Photo by Natalia Vega.)

Every Child Matters March in Sarnia, September 30, 2021. Blackburn News photo courtesy of Max Major.

Every Child Matters March in Sarnia, September 30, 2021. Blackburn News photo courtesy of Max Major.

Bluewater Health recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. (Photo courtesy of Bluewaer Health).

Every Child Matters March through downtown Sarnia. #Slont #OrangeShirtDay2021 pic.twitter.com/VfVoik6IE4

— CHOK News Sarnia (@BlackburnSarnia) September 30, 2021