Today marks a day of mourning on Walpole Island. The first nation community is closing down its offices to honour victims and survivors of residential schools.

Chief Charles Sampson says that while the residential school system didn’t meet its ultimate goal of eliminating Indigenous people, it harmed families and the community in incalculable ways.

Thousands of others across southwestern Ontario took part in healing walks on July 1st, forgoing the usual celebratory tone of Canada Day.

A wave of orange flooded the streets of London for the Turtle Island Healing Walk. A similar event was held along Highway 21 near the Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation.