With students heading back to school this month, Bruce County is highlighting the importance of remembering the impact of residential schools.
September will see a number of different events taking place throughout Bruce County to help educate people on the lasting impacts of residential schools on the Indigenous community.
According to a media release from Bruce County, it's estimated that over 150,000 First Nation, Intuit and Métis children attended residential schools across the nation for over one hundred years.
As of September 1, the Every Child Matters flag is flying for the whole month at Bruce County facilities leading up to Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre is hosting events a display starting September 15 called A National Crime: The Residential School System, Local Saugeen Ojibway Nation Impacts.
There will also be a series of Community Conversations with members of the Chippewas of Saugeen and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation exploring the exhibit. Those will be on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning October 8 and running to November 26, and those interested may register online.
Four additional Walk for Wenjack events will also be held in October after the first was held in August in Cape Croker Park, Neyaashiinigmiing.
The walks are free to attend and begin at 1 p.m.:
Friday, October 17 – Wiarton, Bluewater Park
Saturday, October 18 – Kincardine, Station Beach
Monday, October 20 – Southampton, Fairy Lake Pavilion
Tuesday, October 21 – Walkerton, Riverbend Park
Also, if you're a survivor of residential schools, the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program offers a variety of supports, and the 24-Hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is 1-866-925-4419 for immediate emotional assistance.