Councillor Sean Kelly added, “This year’s focus is on education and reconciliation. It is our hope that residents will take in our wonderful guest speakers and come away from the event with newfound knowledge as we continue down the long path to reconciliation.”
In addition to the recognition event, the Bridge Street Bridge, BELLEVILLE sign and Firefighters Garden will be lit orange to honour this important day. The flag at City Hall will also be lowered to half-staff as we remember and mourn all victims of the residential school system.
A 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been created to provide support for former residential school students. Emotional crisis referral services can be accessed by calling: 1-866-925-4419. Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
