Over the past few months, Canadians have been honouring the lives of children found in unmarked graves at residential schools across the country. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has identified that approximately 4,000 children died tragically in residential schools.
In June, the Canadian government passed legislation to mark September 30 as a federal statutory holiday to acknowledge truth and reconciliation, as recommended by the TRC.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, previously known as Orange Shirt Day, is an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. It is also a day to honour and remember the survivors, their families, and communities, who continue to bear witness to these tragedies.
“Reconciliation is the only way forward, given the devastating impact of residential schools on seven generations of Indigenous kids and their families. As parents, we can appreciate the tremendous loss and disruption that residential schools created for tens of thousands of indigenous families, and their communities,” said Mayor Peckford.
On September 30, at 12:00pm, Council will raise the Every Child Matters Flag. Indigenous leaders, members of the public, students, families, and municipal staff are warmly invited to attend this public event.
Indigenous community members who wish to have a particular presence at the event are encouraged to reach out and contact Jill Sturdy at jsturdy@northgrenville.on.ca or call 613‑258‑9569 ext. 168.
As is the case for so many towns and cities across the country, the Municipality of North Grenville is committed to carefully reviewing and implementing recommendations outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC’s) Calls to Action. Several recommendations from the 2015 Commission were focused on the role that municipal governments can play.
These include:
- Training on Indigenous issues for municipal staff and Council
- Raising of the Every Child Matters Flag on September 30
- Development of a land acknowledgment, in consultation with local Indigenous leaders, and expected for early 2022
- Public engagement sessions later in the Fall with indigenous and non‑indigenous community members
For more information visit: www.northgrenville.ca/live/community‑involvement/truth‑and‑reconciliation.
