Indigenous communities mark July 1 with residential school awareness events

For some Canada Day is a reason to come together and celebrate, but many are choosing different ways to mark the day. 

Pine Creek First Nation and the Métis community of Camperville, Man., are still reeling from the discoveries of six possible unmarked graves earlier this month following a ground penetrating radar search of the site of the community's former residential school.

Kristen McKay is organizing an Every Child Matters concert in Camperville in place of usual Canada Day celebrations.

"I want to bring that healing movement, because when words fail, music speaks," McKay said.

"The other artists are giving their gift to help the community feel supported in the grief and trauma that they're sitting in." 

McKay will be joined by Gator Beaulieu, Colton McKay and Ingrid Aubrey.

McKay said about Canada Day events, "I support the artists at these festivities but myself I likely won't ever participate again."

It's a similar sentiment for Winnipeg business owner Dustin Morrisseau, a member of Hollow Water First Nation.

"Personally, we will be wearing orange that day like we have the last few years," Morrisseau said.

Orange has become a symbolic colour for residential school survivors and their families due to Orange Shirt Day, founded by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad.

Morrisseau said he and his family have not celebrated Canada Day in three years. 

"We don't do fireworks at The Forks anymore," he said.

"That's just how we are now." 

In a statement June 30, the Women of the Métis Nation said instead of celebrating on Canada Day, non-Indigenous Canadians should take time to reflect on Canada's history. It recommends "seeking out Indigenous-led virtual or in-person events on this day, such as powwows, markets, marches or gatherings."

In Akwesasne, a Mohawk community that straddles the Ontario, Quebec and New York State borders, a march will be led by residential school survivors to Cornwall, Ont., on July 1 in honour of residential school survivors and those who never made it home. 

"It's not about being mean, it's about awareness," Dean George, one of the march organizers, said. 

He said they're in the early stages of putting together a national march next year.

Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools, and those who are triggered by the latest reports.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.