Monday, September 30th, is the fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
Officials say the day is dedicated to honouring residential school survivors and remembering those that have been lost.
It’s also ‘A Day to Listen’ with hundreds of radio stations across Canada, including 105.5 and 99.5 Moose FM, taking part from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The theme “All Our Relations” features stories and interviews from Indigenous community leaders, artists and creators, elders, and more on culture, community, and how we are all connected.
National Truth and Reconciliation Week kicked off on Monday, Sept. 23. in Huntsville with the raising of the Survivors’ Flag.
Local events include a march through downtown Huntsville hosted by the Huntsville Public Library in partnership with the Town, the Algonquin Theater, and Hope arises Project Inc.
The march starts at 10:45 a.m. from the River Mill Park municipal parking lot.
Cara McQueen, community engagement coordinator with the Huntsville library, says the event will help lay a pathway towards healing as a community.
“It’s about listening and honouring the varied stories that happened from coast to coast to coast of our survivors. And for some, it’s unlearning history, and others, it’s for telling their truth of their history,” says McQueen.
The march will be adorned with banners produced by Hope Arises that represent the Gifts of the Seven Grandfathers teachings.
The Town of Bracebridge is planting a red oak at Annie Williams Memorial Park this Friday Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. to honour the See Muskoka Through Our Eyes, first Annual Traditional Powwow which took place on June 29 and 30.
A Flag Raising is also being held in Bracebridge on Monday at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the municipal office.
“As part of our collective reconciliation journey, we have an obligation to confront the full truth of our nation’s history,” says Stephanie Scott, Executive Director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. “We must ensure that future generations learn the truth about residential schools and the ongoing legacy and lasting trauma they inflicted on generations of Indigenous peoples. Only then can we build a more just and equitable future for all.”
Free virtual educational programming is available online for schools across Canada, and online webinars for the public.
A National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event is also taking place Monday afternoon on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
