As Chatham-Kent (CK) marked the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, James Street in Wallaceburg became a sea of orange as elementary school students took part in a Healing Walk.
The walk began at the Wallaceburg Library and continued to the Civic Square Park, where a gathering took place.
It was the fifth annual walk, with Walpole Island First Nation Chief Leela Thomas heading the program.
"We gather with heavy hearts, but also with strength, courage, and a share of responsibility to remember, reflect, and honour the children who never made it home, and our survivors of residential schools, and the families, and communities who continue to carry the impacts of this painful history," said Chief Thomas.
She explained that to her, reconciliation is about bridging communities, building relationships, and helping to build supports for the community.
CK Mayor Darrin Canniff was also in attendance. He noted that there is still work to do regarding reconciliation, but CK is committed to putting in the work.
"Events like today remind us that reconciliation is a shared journey and that we move forward best when we walk together," Canniff continued.
Attendees then heard from a survivors circle, where those who made it out of residential schools shared their experiences.
Beverly Williams, a survivor of Shingwauk Indian Residential School in Sault Ste. Marie, told the students how she was removed from her home at the young age of four.
"I suffered loneliness, fear, pain, discomfort. When I finally came home, I felt disconnected from everything," said Williams. "It cannot change the past, but I can tell the truth and hope this will never happen again."
Students also heard from survivors Bill Sands and Jennie Blackbird.
Sands spoke on his healing journey, noting the help available in the community has been huge.
"This [Healing Walk] is beautiful. There's a lot of people here, and I'll tell you it's growing every year," Sands added.
Survivors and members of Walpole Island First Nation sang a survivor song, and the program concluded with a jingle dance.
There's another event on Thursday. A free screening of Canoe Carry Me Home, a CBC documentary, will take place at the Walpole Island First Nation Governance Building between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
