The County of Huron lowers flags to honour the children found buried at former residential school

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2021

SPOKESPERSON: Glen McNeil, Warden 519.524.8394 x3224 warden@huroncounty.ca

The County of Huron lowers flags to honour the 215 children found buried at the former residential school in Kamloops, BC.

Huron County, Ontario – The County of Huron has lowered its flags to half-mast to honour the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families. The flags will remain at half-mast for 9 days - 215 hours - to represent each life.

“It is important that we honour Canada’s First People’s nationally, and at the local level,” said County of Huron Warden Glen McNeil, “As we reflect, let this tragic event serve as a reminder that we must continue to be committed to Truth and Reconciliation as a nation, as well as in our own communities.”

The County of Huron acknowledges that the land we stand upon today is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Neutral peoples. We recognize the First Peoples’ continued stewardship of the land and water, and that this territory was subject to the Dish with One Spoon wampum, under which multiple nations agreed to care for the land and resources by the Great Lakes in peace. We would also like to acknowledge and recognize the Upper Canada Treaties signed in regards to this land, which include Treaty #29 and Treaty #45 1/2, and our roles as treaty people, committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation, gratitude, and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.

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The County of Huron asks the community to continue respecting all public health guidelines, including performing hand hygiene, practicing physical distancing, and wearing masks. Stay informed on the COVID-19 situation in Huron County by visiting the Huron-Perth Public Health website.