Events are being held across the region Tuesday to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden will be hosting a fire to reflect on the history and the ongoing impacts residential schools have had.
Everyone is invited to attend the event at the garden at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
National Day For Truth and Reconciliation Poster (Image from City of Owen Sound website)
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation is also holding a commemorative event, starting at noon with a community walk to the Wiarton Town Hall from the Peninsula Shores District School.
Then at 12:30 p.m., a flag will be raised at Town Hall with a flag song and a walk to Bluewater Park.
At 1 p.m., there will be speeches from Nawash and the town, as well as the reading of survivor names, the honour song, and a moment of silence.
Shortly afterwards at 1:35 p.m., a round dance will be held and Indigenous Elders will offer a few words.
The rest of the afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. will include crafts, displays, storytelling, music, vendors, cultural skills, and teachings.
National Day For Truth and Reconciliation Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Poster (Image from Chippewas Of Nawash Unceded First Nation website)
Everyone is invited to attend and are encouraged to wear orange, bring hand drums and lawn chairs.
Saugeen First Nation is also marking the day starting at 3 p.m. with a prayer and an acknowledgement of Saugeen First Nation residential and day school victims and survivors.
At 3:30 p.m., Saugeen First Nation will hold a mini Pow-Wow.
The Town of The Blue Mountains is commemorating the national day by flying the Truth and Reconciliation flag until Oct. 1 as well as holding a ceremony outside town hall tomorrow at 9 a.m. to recognize the victims and survivors of residential schools across Canada.
The Municipality of Brockton is also inviting all to attend a vigil walk at 6:30 p.m. at Memory Lane Pavillion in Walkerton to remember, honour and respect those who did not come home from residential schools.