Truth and Reconciliation Walk important step in healing

The annual Truth and Reconciliation Walk was held in Leamington on Monday, September 30, with about 400 people — including many students — taking part.

The morning began with a gathering at Caldwell First Nation Headquarters on Orange Street, with traditional drumming and a smudging ceremony before the walk began.

Newly elected Caldwell Chief Nikki van Oirschot welcomed the crowd and explained the meaning behind the nationally recognized day and the significance it has to the First Nations people.

Chief van Oirschot said an Indigenous prayer and reiterated the slogan “Every Child Matters”, which refers to the past atrocities aimed at school-aged Indigenous children being put into residential schools across Canada.

Chief van Oirschot said it was important for us to remember, “no matter how difficult it is.”

The group then made their way up Mill Street to Erie Street South, down Erie Street on foot to the Leamington Dock, where they had lunch at Burgess Refreshments and returned to the Caldwell Headquarters.