Marchers show support for Truth and Reconciliation
To help kick off a full week of activities, more than 100 people showed their support for truth and reconciliation in downtown Chatham on Tuesday.
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To help kick off a full week of activities, more than 100 people showed their support for truth and reconciliation in downtown Chatham on Tuesday.
Participants donned orange as they marched from Deshkan Ziibi, an Indigenous hub on King Street West, to the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre for a flag-raising and several speakers.
Truth and Reconciliation Day, which officially takes place Saturday, aims to foster understanding with Indigenous people in Canada, as well as hear the impact residential schools have had on their culture and way of life.
The goal is to keep learning, said Naomi Wilson, program director with Ska:na Family Learning Centre.
She said she’s been impressed with the efforts of local residents and organizations.
“It’s awesome. The friendliness of everyone, the coming together,” Wilson said. “Chatham paints itself orange. During this week and Sept. 30, you can drive around and see orange everywhere.
“It’s a sign of respect, remembrance, and that they are hearing us.”
In recent years, there has been a growing call for action and healing throughout the country, with the discovery of numerous children’s graves at former residential school sites in different communities.
When the survivors’ flag was raised, Wilson explained the symbolism, including the family, children, seeds below ground, tree of peace, cedar branch, cosmic symbols, Métis sash, eagle feather and Inuksuit.
Municipal officials, first responders and representatives from various sectors, including health and social services, also took part in Tuesday’s event.
Mayor Darrin Canniff encouraged the whole community to get involved in the coming days, as well as take time throughout the year to listen and learn.
“These are hard things to talk about and hear about,” he said. “But the truth is also an important part of our healing journey.
“As the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, we are on our own journey to support reconciliation.”
Orange shirts, hoodies, pins and cookies are available at Deshkan Ziibi, located at 495 King St. W.
Truth and Reconciliation week events
Thursday
7 a.m. – Sunrise gathering
8 a.m. – Networking breakfast
9-11 a.m. – Sharing circle
7-9 p.m. – Full moon gathering
*All activities held a Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King St. W.
Friday
10 a.m. – Storytime at Chatham library branch
10:30 a.m. to noon – Healing walk and gathering, starting Wallaceburg library branch and ending at Civic Square Park, with guest speakers
Saturday
National Truth and Reconciliation Day / Orange Shirt Day
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