A deteriorated orange crosswalk in Pickering to honour indigenous communities, has finally been re-installed.
The commemorative crosswalk, unveiled on October 30, 2021, had deteriorated due to weather, and was to be restored in spring of this year.
The re-installation took place on Thursday, September 22 at the intersection of Valley Farm Road and the Esplanade North, said a statement from the city.
The first of its kind in Durham, the commemorative crosswalk was developed through a collaborative effort between the City of Pickering and the Indigenous Relationship Building Circle (IRBC) to honour the lost indigenous children, survivors, their families, and communities affected by the residential school system, it added.
Indigenous residents painted seven feathers on the crosswalk to reflect the Seven Grandfather Teachings (Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth).
Pickering IRBC collaboration
The City of Pickering and the Indigenous Relationship Building Circle (IRBC) are collaborating on several initiatives in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, takes place on September 30th. In recognizing the abuse inflicted upon over 150,000 children within residential schools, it is important to confront the legacy of colonialism, systemic oppression, and intergenerational trauma endured by indigenous communities across Turtle Island today, said the statement.
Another related event that took place yesterday was Community Memorial and Installation launch at Esplanade Park.
The city is encouraging members of the public to attend the upcoming event to learn, heal, and reflect. This includes today’s ‘Every Child Matters’ Flag Raising at 10 am at Pickering City Hall.
“As we approach September 30th, it is our responsibility to engage in reconciliation efforts to redress historical wrongdoings and their ongoing impacts on Indigenous Peoples,” said Mayor Dave Ryan. “The city is honoured to work alongside the IRBC members to amplify the work of indigenous groups and residents in ways that sustain mutually respectful relations.”
Visit pickering.ca/IRBC to learn more about the Indigenous Relationship Building Circle and new initiatives as they become available.