Tomorrow (Sept. 30) is National Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day and the community is being invited to come together to observe and honour the day.
Hope Arises Project Inc., along with the Huntsville Public Library and the Town of Huntsville, are hosting the annual remembrance walk.
Officials say the day honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as survivors, their families, communities, and generations impacted by the residential school system.
The event begins at 10 a.m. in River Mill Park with a sacred fire lighting, followed by an honour drum, land acknowledgement, and smudging ceremony. At 11:15 a.m., the remembrance walk will begin throughout the streets of downtown Huntsville.
Officials say the streets will be adorned with banners designed by Hope Arises that represent the Gifts of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, orange ribbons will be hung in the storefronts of downtown businesses, and participants will be given an orange ribbon to carry, each representing a child who never came home. Participants are encouraged to wear orange as part of the day’s observance.
Following the walk, guest speaker remarks and a closing friendship dance will take place back at River Mill Park.
The Town of Huntsville is also advising residents that several road closures will be in effect during the event, including sections of Dara Howell Way, West Street North, and Main Street East.
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