The Town of Saugeen Shores has opted to adapt their Canada Day celebrations "to honour the Indigenous children of unmarked graves across Canada."

Flags will be lowered for part of the day July 1, to be raised again at sunset.

Orange bows will be placed at the Southampton flag and the Zgaa-biig-ni-gan bridge, and a "Canada Rocks" rock painting event will proceed.

"The community is encouraged to wear orange," read a June 28 media release from the Town, and those choosing to participate in the rock painting event are asked "to consider painting their rocks in honour of the children of residential schools."

Mayor Luke Charbonneau said July 1st was about more than Canada's birthday. "It is a day to reflect on the history of the country and how we can do better."

An earlier planned fireworks display has been postponed by the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce (SSCC) "due to the COVID-19 pandemic," and "in order to keep everyone safe and healthy."

The City of Owen Sound has also opted to adapt their celebrations. Their planned fireworks display will go ahead but it will be preceded by a citywide sounding of sirens followed by five minutes of silence.

See also: What message are we sending this Canada Day

More and more communities are making the decision to cancel their Canada Day celebrations and instead encouraging a day of reflection and learning about the legacy of residential schools.

An Honouring Our Children Relay is taking place July 1 from Neyaashiinigmiing to Saugeen.

A Walk for the Children event is also being held in Owen Sound July 1 beginning at 4pm. The walk will start at the parking lot at the north end of 1st Ave. E. near the Health Unit building and end at Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden at Kelso Beach Park where a ceremonial fire will provide an opportunity for attendees to pay their respects.