Mike Metatawabin wants Sept. 30 to be a part of people's journey every day.
The residential school survivor shared part of his story today at the Timmins Native Friendship Centre's 8th Annual Orange Shirt Day Walk. Today is also the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Hundreds of people took part in the walk through downtown Timmins. After, residential school survivors shared their experiences with participants.
“As a survivor, we live with this memory. We live with this shame, pain, hurt. It’s with us every day. We feel it every day,” said Metatawabin.
While the turnout every year is getting bigger and bigger, it's not a celebration for Metatawabin. People, he said, are still dealing with the lingering after-effects of residential schools.
Canada's history with residential schools needs to be in schools and part of the curriculum, he said.
“Let’s not let it happen again. Let’s not do this over, over and over,” said Metatawabin.
A 24-hour national residential school crisis line to support former students and their families is available at 1-866-925-4419.
