Port Alberni was a sea of orange on Monday, Sept. 30 as hundreds of people donned orange shirts and walked across town for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The walk started at Alberni District Secondary School, where residential school survivor Wally Samuel Sr. thanked the crowd for their support.
"Believe us, that these things happened and are still affecting our people today," said Samuel. "Don't be afraid to ask questions — there are no wrong questions. That's how we learn."
He explained on Monday that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is all about forgiveness and being kind to one another. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place each year on Sept. 30 and recognizes the effects of the Canadian residential school system on Indigenous communities.
"That's what residential school tried to do to us, tried to change our ways," Samuel said. "Have a good day, love one another and give peace a chance."
Walkers departed from ADSS and walked all the way to Mahs Mahs on Tseshaht First Nation territory, where the Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS) once sat. A celebration took place at Mahs Mahs, with crafts, activities, lunch and dinner.
