Communities across Canada are marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Following on one of the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, today was established by federal legislation in 2021 as a statutory holiday commemorating the victims and survivors and "tragic legacy of [Indian] residential schools in Canada, and the continuing harm", though it is still not a provincial statutory holiday in Ontario or certain other provinces.
In Wawa, the day is being marked with an "Honour Walk" from the Town Hall to the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, led by Michipicoten First Nation Youth Drumming Group at 9:30 am this morning - after the walk will be "sharing by elders" followed by "an activity for everyone".
Since 2013, today has also been known as "Orange Shirt Day", named for a shiny orange shirt taken away from a residential school student on her first day at the school, with people encouraged to likewise wear an orange shirt in recognition and support of "Every Child Matters".