Residential school survivors mark Orange Shirt Day at one of Canada's oldest residential schools

Hundreds of residential school survivors from across Ontario and Quebec returnedto Brantford, Ont.to take part in a healing walk to the site of the former Mohawk Institute, one of the oldest and longest running residential schools in Canada.

The event ties into Orange Shirt Day, a day recognized across Canada to remember the trauma Indigenous people faced in the residential school system, and to promote reconciliation.

Its namecomes from founderPhyllis (Jack) Webstadwho said a new orange shirt given to her by her grandmother was taken from her when she attendedSt. JosephMission Residential School on her first day.

Her story andtheday it has inspired has drawn the attention of leaders across Canada, including leader of the Ontario New Democratic PartyAndrea Horwath.

"Orange Shirt Day asks us to confront the horrific truth about residential schools, remember the tragic outcome for thousands of Indigenous children and families, and recognize the lasting, intergenerational harm,"Horwath said in a statement.

"Today, I stand with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians who continue to urge all levels of government to move forward on the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission."

Melissa Root took part in the event Saturday at Mohawk Institute and says the effects of residential schools are felt even today.

"There'salcoholism, addictions and a whole bunch of other issueswithin our community that we're still trying to get over," she said.

Community consultations and contributions from Six Nations have led to the school being restored, but the land surrounding the school is also being reclaimed and restored, too.

Before being turned into a park, however, some of the land has beenexcavated to settle beliefs that some children may have been buried under the apple trees.

"If they are there, we'll find them. If they're not, theneverybody can rest easy knowing that there isn't anybodyactually there," volunteer Sarah Clarke said.

RitaRoot is a survivor and says she had braids at the school, but for her first haircut, they grabbed her braids and cut them off.

"I've accepted what went on and just hopethat it never happens again never," she said.