Orange lights on crosses honor Residential School Children

09/29/2022

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform the community that orange lights have been installed by Public Works on the two crosses at either end of the village area on the Old Malone Highway.

The lights honor children who attended Residential School and, especially, those who never returned home to their families.

This initiative was brought forth by Ratsénhaienhs Arnold Boyer to coincide with Friday’s National Truth & Reconciliation Day, and Orange Shirt Day.

“Both my parents are Residential School survivors and, like so many others, this is something that is close to my heart,” he stated. “With the installation of the orange crosswalks yesterday, our community now has some very visible additions to commemorate those who suffered through these tools of assimilation. We hope these will cause those who see them to reflect, remember and honor.”  

All Kahnawà:ke organizations will be closed tomorrow to allow staff to participate in various Orange Shirt Day, and National Truth & Reconciliation Day activities.