Flags lowered locally for residential school victims

REGIONAL — Local municipalities, including Leamington, Kingsville and Chatham-Kent, are flying their flags at halfmast this week and into next, to honour the 215 children who perished at the Kamloops Residential School.

The remains of 215 children were unearthed last week, prompting officials and Canadians at large to wonder if other former residential school grounds hold the same secrets.

The federal government took over operation of the Kamloops school in 1969, before closing it for good in 1978. Prior to that, the Catholic Church operated the school, which had first opened in 1890.

Leamington’s municipal flags will remain lowered for nine days - one hour for each child whose life was lost, and in memory of the thousands of children who were sent to residential schools, for those who never returned, and in honour of the families whose lives were forever changed.

Lowered flags at Kingsville Town Hall on Tuesday, June 1.

Sun photo

“We extend our deepest sympathies to our First Nation communities,” said Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald.

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darin Canniff also announced that their flags would be lowered.

“The deaths of these children is a national tragedy,” he said. “While the federal government must proceed with the investigation, it is important now for all of us to acknowledge the innocent young lives lost.”

Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos made a similar statement, as they lowered their flags for 215 hours.

“So much work as a nation yet to do,” he said. “Let’s take time to pause and time to hear their voices. We are listening.”

On Sunday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered the lowering of the flags at all federal buildings and sites across Canada.