Hundreds of flower pots now line the sidewalks of the Pictou Landing First Nation to honour the 215 children who died while attending a residential school in British Columbia.
The remains were discovered in unmarked graves on the former residential school property in Kamloops last week by using ground penetrating radar. The facility was one of the largest in Canada’s residential school system.
Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Andrea Paul made a call through social media on Sunday asking for donations so the flowers could be displayed in the community, one for every child.
Paul said on Facebook nearly $6,500 had been donated so they could buy the flower pots, with people also dropping off flower arrangements. Videos posted online show hundreds of pots lining the sidewalks along a stretch of road that runs through the community. Paul said she has been overwhelmed by messages from people who want to help.
“This was a very powerful day and your kindness and loving gestures truly mean so much.” Paul said in a Facebook post. “Thank you for being a part of a beautiful way to honour the children, families, and communities. We will nurture and care for the flowers as a way to show our love for the children.”
Paul said the plants cost more than $3,800 with just over $2,600 left over. She plans on using the rest of the funds to add solar lights to some of the plants and to make a donation the area school.
Meantime, the first nation is asking Nova Scotians on Facebook to honour the lives lost by leaving a light on and placing a teddy bear on the front door step starting at 6 p.m. on Monday. Paul is also encouraging people to wear an orange shirt, which is a way people show solidarity and raise awareness about residential schools.
Flags are flying at half-mast across the country on Monday, including in Halifax. City hall, municipal facilities, the Nova Scotia Legislature, all provincial buildings, and schools in the province are lowering their flags in tribute.
