Haldimand and Norfolk counties will be lowering flags at all public facilities to honour the 215 Indigenous children found buried at a former residential school near Kamloops, BC.

Both counties will lower flags across public facilities from Monday, May 31 to Monday, June 8 in one hour increments to symbolize each of the 215 children whose lives were taken.

“Lowering our flags is one way to recognize this abhorrent tragedy and signify that we stand unified with the Indigenous community in mourning the loss of these children,” said Norfolk County Mayor Kristal Chopp.

Chopp was compelled to act after being contacted by a young resident of Norfolk County, Kasey McDonald – a member of the Turtle Clan and Anishinaabe member of Kettle and Stony Point First Nations. “It is inspirational when young individuals get involved in their community and advocate for things that are important to them, especially regarding a matter of this magnitude,” Chopp noted.

“In the spirit of Kasey’s letter, taking small actions to generate awareness and change on a broader level can have an immeasurable impact,” Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt stated. “By recognizing this tragedy, we can only hope to shine a light on the past in hopes of creating a brighter future,” he added.