GUELPH – Indigenous voices are calling on all Canadians to educate themselves and their peers on the truth about Canada’s residential school legacy and its resulting harm.
True North Aid’s Reconciliation Walk is organized with that in mind, and offers an opportunity to learn about this chapter in Canada’s history, as well as the intergenerational harm and inequitable systems the organization says continue to be imposed on Indigenous people today.
Reading stations are posted along wooded trails for interactive self-guided experiences in Guelph, Toronto, Kingston and Brockville.
In Guelph, the Reconciliation Walk will be facilitated by the Rotary Club of Guelph’s Indigenous awareness committee.
Officials say the gentle walk takes approximately one hour to complete and can be accessed on Sept. 28 between 10am and 3pm, rain or shine. It starts at the Riverside Park Green Pavilion (709 Woolwich St.).
The Reconciliation Walk is also an opportunity to support Orange Shirt Day, and participants are encouraged to wear their orange shirts while they reflect upon Canada’s past and present relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Orange Shirt Day, or National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is Sept. 30.
It is a day to honour people who attended residential schools, learn about the intergenerational impacts of the schools and take action towards reconciliation.
More than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children attended residential and day schools across Canada.
Organizers hope the Reconciliation Walk will instill an urgency for change and action in moving forward together in justice.
The walk is free and everyone is welcome. Registration is not required.
True North Aid is a Canadian registered charity that provides practical humanitarian assistance through initiatives designed to help inspire and empower Indigenous peoples to pursue their dreams and, in turn, empower their communities.
