As communities gathered across Canada to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Sarnia honoured the memory of both victims and survivors of the residential school system with the unveiling of a second memorial crosswalk in the community.
In 2021, Sarnia City Council passed a resolution to design a memorial crosswalk to recognize the victims of residential schools and serve as a step towards reconciliation in the community. The first was installed in June of 2022 at the corner of Christina Street and Cathcart Boulevard.
The second was unveiled today at the corner of Front Street and Lochiel Street as members of the community, City leadership, Council and the City’s UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Committee gathered to mark the passing of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the survivors of the residential school system, and we remember the children who did not make it home. We encourage everyone to reflect and recognize the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma impacting survivors, their families, and their communities. Acknowledging and understanding our past helps us create a better future,” said UNDRIP Committee Chair Candace Young adding, “we hope the crosswalks will serve as a reminder that reconciliation is everyday work that requires us all to change how we think and what we do, with the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers as a guide. Let’s continue to focus on building relationships with Indigenous Peoples and show our support by implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in everything we do.”
The second memorial crosswalk was made possible through a generous donation from the Sarnia-Lambton Social Services Network.