Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre image.

Hub Staff

Accompanying their 'Indian Day Schools: The National and Local Story' exhibit from September 16 to November 16, Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre (BCM&CC) is hosting Sharing Cirlces on Wednesdays through October and November.

The 'Community Conversation' series will happen between 11am and 1pm every Wednesday from now until November 20.

An estimated 200,000 Indigenous children attended the more than 699 facilities known as Indian Day Schools that were established and operated by the Canadian Government beginning in 1920.

All told, seven of these schools were located in Bruce County; four were in Neyaashiinigmiing (Sydney Bay, Little Port Elgin, St. Mary's Junior and St. Mary's Senior) and three in Saukiing Anishnaabekiing (French Bay, Saugeen Village and Scotch Settlement).

While most Canadians are aware of residential schools, Indian Day Schools are a thus far lesser known although the trauma that was experienced in these facilities is undeniable. The only difference being that in Day Schools children were permitted to go home at night.

The exhibit, sponsored by Enbridge, is being presented by BCM&CC in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation, Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.

The Residential Schools national support line can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.