Approximately 80 people gathered at Paul Blundy Park in downtown Sarnia on Wednesday as part of a Truth and Reconciliation March, organized by the Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre (SLNFC).
Acting Executive Director Daniel Falconer said it was encouraging to see non-Indigenous community members show their support and become allies. He said one thing allies can do is listen.
"Open your ears, open your eyes to the messages and the stories coming from Indigenous people in their communities," Falconer said. "That will give you a good starting point and then through that, I think you'll be able to understand what actions or what responsibilities you have as an individual in supporting truth and reconciliation."
Attendees walked from the SLNFC's Lochiel Street site to Sarnia's waterfront, where a short ceremony was held.
Guest speaker Valerie Waboose of Walpole Island First Nation is a second-generation residential school survivor. She said as part of her PhD studies, what stood out most to her was how lasting the impacts are.
"It's not only the Canadian society that has to reconcile, it's also individuals. We, as those intergenerational or those survivors, have to do our healing. Society has to heal, Canadians have to heal," she said. "We as a country have to heal."
Waboose also referenced the work that still needs to be done regarding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action.
SLNFC Board President Suzi Isaac said from a local perspective, she hopes to see improved communication "on all levels" in order to address gaps in services.
"As a member of the board, I really want to know what our community voice is and what they want to see happen both here and in the community -- programming wise. If we're lacking in support, then maybe we need to lobby and look around for more funding for different supports.
Following the ceremony, community members made their way to the Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre for refreshments.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day were officially observed in Canada on September 30.
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