Wallaceburg held its fourth annual Healing Walk and Gathering on Tuesday to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The event, which focused on remembering those who didn’t come home, included smudging, songs of healing, a jingle dance, and testimonies from survivors of residential schools.
“I lost my language, and my culture, our ways of life, at residential schools. That's what was taken from us,” said Bill Sands.
He was just 11 years old when he was taken from school, and he spent four years in a residential school.
“What did I do to get myself here? I always thought I did something wrong, but I didn’t,” added Sands.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a commemoration of Canada’s history and the ongoing impacts on those affected.
“We walk with purpose and pride,” said Larissa Wrightman, resident of Walpole Island First Nation. “People are choosing to walk together in truth, and reconciliation is not just one day.”
Over 150,000 Indigenous people were taken to residential schools, where they were taught to feel shame for their heritage and punished for their culture.
“It’s a day for people to learn and reflect about residential schools,” added Beverley Williams. “The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of language and culture lost at residential schools.”
Over 100 people attended the walk in Wallaceburg.
