​Bruce County reflects on residential school impacts throughout September

Throughout the month of September, a variety of events, ceremonies and actions across Bruce County will lead up to Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Sept. 30.

At least 150,000 First Nation, Intuit and Métis children attended residential schools across Canada for more than 100 years. These institutions systematically worked to assimilate Indigenous children through the erasure and destruction of their own histories, culture, and identities. Forcibly taken from their families, many of these children suffered horrific abuse and others never returned home.

As of Sept. 1, the “Every Child Matters” flag will fly on flag poles at county facilities. The design by Taylor Cameron, an artist of Saugeen First Nation No. 29, honours the countless lives impacted by the residential school system. The flag will lower to half-mast, Sept. 30, in memory of those who did not come home from these institutions.

BRUCE COUNTY MUSEUM EVENTS

The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre is offering unique opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and history. All exhibitions contain subject matter that may be disturbing or triggering to some visitors, as the content focuses on the residential school system.

Beginning Sept. 15, A National Crime: The Residential School System, Local Saugeen Ojibway Nation Impacts is on display in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation, Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, with the support of Enbridge.

A series of community conversations with members of the Chippewas of Saugeen and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation explores the National Crime exhibit through local and personal experiences. This series is scheduled on Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning Oct. 8 and running to Nov. 26. Those interested may register on-line.

The National Geographic documentary, Sugarcane, is screening Sept. 18, from 7-9 p.m. This 2024 film explores a system designed to destroy Canada’s Indigenous communities and the resilient nature of the surviving communities. Viewing of the R-rated film is free with on-line preregistration required.

WALK FOR WENJACK

Honouring the life of Chanie Wenjack, a young Anishinaabe boy who died while trying to return to his home following his escape from a residential school, Walk for Wenjack events are occurring across Canada. Led by the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, these events offer a space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to gather and to reflect and learn.

This is the first year of Bruce County’s participation, with the inaugural walk already completed in August in Cape Croker Park, Neyaashiinigmiing. Four additional walks are planned, each free to attend and beginning at 1 p.m.:
 

• Friday, Oct. 17 – Bluewater Park in Wiarton
• Saturday, Oct. 18 – Station Beach in Kincardine
• Monday, Oct. 20 – Fairy Lake Pavilion in Southampton
• Tuesday, Oct. 21 – Riverbend Park in Walkerton

There will be light refreshments, and the Nawash Food Bank is accepting donations. The first 10 donors at each event will receive a gift from fund.

There are also showings of The Secret Path, an animated film telling Chanie Wenjack’s story. On-line pre-registration is open for these free screenings:
 

• Friday, Oct. 17, 3:30 p.m. - Bruce County Public Library, Wiarton Branch
• Monday, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. - Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre
• Tuesday, Oct. 21, 3 p.m. - Bruce County Public Library, Walkerton Branch

Walk for Wenjack events in Bruce County are hosted in partnership with Cape Croker Park, Ktaamgwedaagwad Gindasswin Adult Learning Centre, Nawash Chief and Council, Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, Bruce County Public Library, the Municipality of Kincardine, the Municipality of Brockton, and Bruce Power.

SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

If you are a survivor of the residential school system or a family member, you may find yourself triggered as Sept. 30 nears. 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.