A week of events are being held in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this coming Saturday.
A walk and flag raising will be held tomorrow morning, starting from Deshkan Ziibi on King Street West, formerly known as the Bleak House, at 11:30 and ending at the Civic Centre.
Thursday, Deshkan Ziibi will play host to a sunrise gathering, networking breakfast, and sharing circle in the morning, followed by a full moon gathering that evening.
An Orange Shirt Day walk is also being held Thursday morning at 11:30 from the Bkejwanong elementary school to the Residential School monument on Walpole Island.
Friday, the second annual healing walk will make its way through downtown Wallaceburg, starting from the library and ending with a gathering at Civic Square Park. The Chatham branch of the public library will also host a Truth and Reconciliation Storytime that morning.
Saturday is the official Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with all community members invited to wear orange shirts to honour residential school victims and survivors.
To learn more about National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and resources to learn all year, folks can visit https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/deij and click on DEIJ News.
In addition to local mental health resources, Indigenous people who may need support can access:
Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help 24/7 to all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 1-855-242-3310 (toll free) or online chat www.hopeforwellness.ca
National Residential School Crisis Line provides 24/7 crisis support to former Residential School students and their families. 1-866-925-4419 (toll free)
