HAGERSVILLE—The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) and surrounding community came together in Hagersville on September 30, 2025 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, walking in honour of the children who never came home from residential schools and standing in support of Survivors and their families.
The day began with a community walk through downtown Hagersville, starting at the food bank and continuing along Alma Street, King Street, and Main Street before returning to the food bank parking lot. More than 150 people took part, including MCFN members, neighbouring residents, and local organizations such as the HAC (Health, Activity, and Community) program based in Hagersville.
Participants then gathered at the MCFN Community Centre on New Credit Road to share a meal and time of reflection.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, joined the walk and community gathering, walking alongside MCFN Chief Claire Sault.
Premier Ford said the day was a solemn reminder of the past and a call to continue building a better future.
“Our government will continue working toward true reconciliation so we can build a better future with Indigenous people and communities across Ontario,” he said.
Chief Sault said the day holds deep meaning for MCFN.
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is about our people, our families, and our children. It is a day to honour Survivors, to carry the memory of the little ones who never returned, and to stand together in healing,” she said. “Reconciliation cannot happen without truth, and this day is one of many steps we must take together.”
Rickford also reflected on the significance of community.
“Walking in community and with community on the fifth observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the Survivors, their families, and communities and remember those who did not return home,” he said.
Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford–Brant and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, described the day as part of an ongoing process: “Truth and Reconciliation is not a box to be checked. It is an ongoing relationship and journey with Indigenous peoples.”
For many local organizations, the event was both an act of solidarity and a learning opportunity. HAC Team Lead Lyndi Dougherty said participating in the walk was a meaningful experience for her staff.
“Because we’re based right here in Hagersville, we’re so close to our neighbours on Six Nations and the Mississaugas of the Credit,” Dougherty said. “It’s really important for us to have a good relationship and understanding of how we can offer the best services to both our neighbours on reserve and those living off reserve.”
She said the HAC team was proud to take part, noting that their funder, the Alzheimer Society, gave permission for them to close the office for the day.
“It was really great that Mississaugas of the Credit had something right in town here,” said Dougherty. “We all attended the event together to show respect for the day and for the community.”
Dougherty said the day also offered a moment to reflect on what reconciliation means within healthcare.
“People that work in healthcare understand that reconciliation in the health system is really important,” she said, noting the complexity of Indigenous care “often working under two systems – both the services available through their status and the same healthcare system we all use.”
She said healthcare workers have a duty to address those barriers: “Reconciliation really is about how we can make that a seamless experience for our Indigenous clients, and how we can honour that responsibility.”
Within their specific field, Dougherty acknowledged “that the risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia is going up for people with Indigenous ancestry…. It really is our duty of care to do as much as we can to understand that risk (and) reduce that risk.”
Victoria Gray, Manager of Communications and Engagement for MCFN, said the walk was intended to raise awareness and create space for shared reflection. Gray said the presence of provincial leaders and local organizations added to the sense of unity.
“We were very grateful that they were able to come, and we welcomed them with open arms,” she said.
Chief Sault reminded attendees that the event was part of a broader national effort to reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, which remain a guide for meaningful change.
The MCFN statement emphasized that “reconciliation cannot happen without truth.”
