Lambton College hosted a special gathering Wednesday to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day.
The event included remarks from local First Nation leaders as well as an Indigenous business vendor market.
"Today's a really critical day every year for Lambton College. We obviously work towards truth and reconciliation every day, but today's a day where we can really profile it and really have some hard but important discussions on what the truth looks like, what that history looks like, and then what role our college can play in moving towards reconciliation," said Lambton College President and CEO Rob Kardas.
Organizers said the gathering aims to bring the community together and reflect on the meaningful steps required in the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
"Days like today are difficult when conversations of denialism or resharing stories of the survivors; those can be difficult and uncomfortable," said Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Janelle Nahmabin. "The truth does need to surface so that we can walk together in a path of reconciliation and one that is considerate of the history and the challenges that Indigenous people do face today, but showing up and being open to listening is helpful with creating the path that we'd like our children and grandchildren to go down. So days like today are where we plant seeds and we co-create the path forward."
The event was open to the public and featured an Indigenous-owned business showcase, marketplace, a short film screening and discussion, and a tour of the Indigenous Outdoor Space.
Truth and Reconciliation Day is to honour survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
