At least 1,000 people showed up for the shíshálh Nation, the syiyaya Reconciliation Movement and the District of Sechelt, B.C. events marking the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Many wore orange to honour Phyllis Jack Webstad, who, as a six-year residential school student, had her orange shirt, gifted to her by her grandmother, taken away on her first day of school.
A commemoration ceremony gathered at the Grieving Mother monument to remember children of residential schools, honour the survivors and their families, and honour those who were lost. Then, the walk for truth and reconciliation followed the same path the children from other First Nations would have taken to the residential school.
The opening of the reconciliation crosswalk and a feast followed. It was day of mourning and reflection that was held in communities across British Columbia and Canada on the national holiday.
