The Huntsville Public Library, Town of Huntsville, and Hope Arises Project Inc. invite the community to join in Huntsville’s 4th Annual Orange Shirt Day Activities on September 30, 2024. September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Canada. This national day commemorates the tragic history and healing journey of residential school survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.
March and Gathering
Each year, Huntsville honours September 30 with a march through the downtown, adorned with banners produced by Hope Arises and representing the Gifts of the Seven Grandfathers teachings. The walk also passes many downtown businesses with orange ribbons in their storefront window to show their respect.
This year’s 4th annual march begins at 10:45 a.m. from River Mill Park municipal parking lot and will once again proceed through downtown Huntsville before returning to River Mill Park. An opening ceremony will commence at noon and include special guest Joyce Jonathan Crone, President of Hope Arises Project Inc.
The event will take place rain or shine. This is a family friendly event, and all are welcome. There will be photography and videography at the event.
Film Screening
A local screening of the film The Nature of Healing: Voices of Mohawk Institute Survivors is being held on the evening of September 30, at the Algonquin Theatre. The Nature of Healing, an internationally award-winning film documentary, is the riveting spoken truth of seven Survivors of The Mohawk Institute in Brantford, Ontario. This full feature film, produced and directed by Canadian Indigenous filmmaker Faith Howe of JamLab Productions is a story of resistance, resilience and healing. Tickets can be purchased through the theatre’s website.
Wear Orange
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is observed on Orange Shirt Day. The community is encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to honour the survivors, their families, and the lost children of residential schools.
Flag Raising
The Survivors’ Flag will be raised in Huntsville from September 23 to September 30 to mark Truth and Reconciliation Week. This commemorative flag was created by survivors to honour survivors, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada, and to share their expression of remembrance across the nation.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
The week leading up to September 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Week, set by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). Part of the NCTR’s mandate is “to preserve and make accessible the memory and legacy of the residential school system and the experiences of survivors and their families for future generations.” This year’s theme, Remembering the Children aims to continue educating and commemorating the truth of our history from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledge keepers and to continue the path to reconciliation.” Remembering the children on Orange Shirt Day will honour residential school Survivors, pay tribute to the children who never made it home, and deliver a safe and nurturing environment for reconciliation and healing.
NCTR is offering daily lunch & learn webinars the week from September 23 to September 27. Register for one or all at https://trw-svr.nctr.ca/lunch-and-learns/.
For more information on Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024, please visit: nctr.ca
For more information on Orange Shirt Day, please visit: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/
For more information on Hope Arises, please visit: https://www.hopearises.ca/
For more on The Nature of Healing film, visit: https://calendar.algonquintheatre.ca/default/Detail/The-Nature-of-Healing-Film-Talk
For more information about Huntsville’s Orange Shirt Day March and Gathering, please visit: https://www.huntsvillelibrary.ca/en/sign-up-for-activities/orange-shirt-day.aspx