Image from Bluewater School Board
Numerous communities have lowered their flags on Canada Day following the discovery of remains of hundreds of Indigenous children on the grounds of former residential schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Grey County says it is lowering all its flags at its offices. The City of Owen Sound is lowering its flag as well.
A Bruce County release notes it is lowering its flags July 1st, in acknowledgement of the complex history of Canada, and in recognition of the unmarked graves.
The Canadian flag in Huron-Kinloss has been lowered until July 2. “I encourage our residents to view this time as a critical point in our history, and a time to reflect – as individuals, a community and a nation,” says Mayor Mitch Twolan.
Saugeen Shores will have its flags lowered on July 1, and raised again at sunset. Orange bows will also be placed near the Southampton flag pole and on the Zgaa-biig-ni-gan’ (We are Connected) bridge in Southampton.
“This Canada Day is about so much more than Canada’s birthday,” says Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “It is a day to reflect on the history of the country and how we can do better. To recognize the pain felt by generations of First Nations peoples and come together in solidarity.”
With the Canada Rocks paint event still moving ahead, the municipality is asking those who take part to considering painting in honour of those who died at residential schools.
Included in this show of support for indigenous communities and honouring the indigenous children who lost their lives, are the municipalities of Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, South Bruce, Kincardine, South Bruce Peninsula, and Northern Bruce Peninsula.
Bruce County Warden Janice Jackson says the county acknowledges the devastating legacy that residential schools had had on almost every Indigenous family.
“As a community, we must stand together to acknowledge these truths of the past and present, and support reconciliation efforts,” says Jackson. Jackson is also Mayor of South Bruce Peninsula where Canada Day celebrations and fireworks were cancelled in solidarity with the municipality’s neighbouring First Nations.
Residents are also encouraged to wear orange and set up orange decorations around their home to show their support on Canada Day, orange decorations can be purchased at Keepsakes & Memories in Port Elgin.