A couple of changes have been made to this year's Orange Shirt Day walk in Sarnia, which will be held on September 28, ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Canadian holiday is observed on September 30, however, Organizer Lila Bruyere said it's hoped more people will participate in the walk since it's being held over the weekend.
The public gathering will begin at 12 p.m. at Sarnia City Hall with guest speakers, including Aamjiwnaang Elder Mike Plain.
Attendees are encouraged to wear orange.
Bruyere said the walk's route has also changed slightly to account for the encampment at Rainbow Park.
The route will follow Christina Street North to Derby Lane, to Front Street North, to the Indigenous flag plaza at Bayshore Park.
"We're going to have a round dance to close it off," Bruyere said. "We're going to have refreshments there."
As a residential school survivor, Bruyere said it's "amazing" to see the community support during the annual walk.
"It's a day to remember, for the children who never made it home," she said.
Bruyere referenced the discovery in 2021 in Kamloops, BC, where ground penetrating radar showed anomalies that Sarah Beaulieu, an anthropologist at the University of the Fraser Valley, said were likely about 200 unmarked graves, but that "only forensic investigation with excavation" could confirm the presence of human remains.
"Across Ontario hasn't even been touched yet," Bruyere said. "It's a day to remember that because they never had the proper burial... were never acknowledged."
Meanwhile, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation will hold a hope and healing walk on Monday evening, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The honour walk will lead to Veterans Memorial Monument where speeches and stories will be heard. The event will end with a round dance.
Area schools, including Lambton College, will also host activities and events on Monday to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
City hall and the Sarnia Sign will also be illuminated in orange on September 30.