Because National Indigenous People’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, the 8th Annual Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is taking place today, Friday, June 20th.

This year’s theme is “waniskâk”, meaning “everyone wake up”.

The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. in Victoria Park with the formal program starting at 11:45.

The event is held each year to honour the truth of the Residential schools and those who survived them, as well as demonstrate the city’s collective commitment to reconciliation.

Participants of the walk are invited to “Rock Your Roots” by wearing orange, cultural regalia or carrying signs that celebrate their heritage.

The Traffic Bridge will be closed on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation and the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration.

Additional event road restrictions include: Spadina Crescent between Avenues G and A as well as 2nd and 3rd Avenues. 19th Street eastbound between Avenue A and 3rd Avenue. Third Avenue between 19th and the Traffic Bridge and Victoria Avenue between the Traffic Bridge and 11th Street. Rock Your Roots event restrictions will be lifted by 2:00 p.m. Friday afternoon.