The Town of Saugeen Shores has commissioned local Indigenous artist Brent Henry to commemorate residential school survivors with a large art installation.
Henry has been asked to prepare a permanent tribute that will be prominently displayed at Town Hall.
A release from the Town says, “When the Town of Saugeen Shores learned of the recently discovered gravesites at several former residential schools, it acted quickly, and in consultation with Saugeen First Nation to decorate the Zgaa-biig-ni-gaan bridge with orange ribbons.”
The Town says it recognizes the ribbons will not stand the test of time, explaining, “The Town moved forward with the commissioning of a permanent testament to the pain, suffering, and death inflicted on indigenous children at Canada’s residential schools.”
Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot says in a statement, “The Town of Saugeen Shores and Saugeen First Nation worked in collaboration to immediately recognize the Residential School situation” adding, “We continue to work together to advance permanent recognition at the Saugeen Shores Town Hall.”
The Town hopes to unveil the permanent display, to be located in the Municipal Office, in the fall.
