Beginning this year, the Township of Ramara will observe Sept. 30 as a statutory holiday in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important day to pause, learn, and reflect,” said Mayor Basil Clarke. “As a community, we honour survivors, their families, and the children who never came home from residential schools. Alongside our neighbours, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, we are reminded of the importance of respect and the ongoing journey of reconciliation. Council, staff, and residents are encouraged to wear orange on Sept. 30 and join local gatherings to deepen understanding and keep the conversation moving forward towards truth and reconciliation.”
To observe the statutory holiday, the Township Administration Office and the Ramara Centre, including the Ramara Township Public Library, will be closed on Sept. 30.
Flags at Township facilities will be lowered to half-mast at the end of day Sept. 29, 2025, and raised again on Oct. 1, 2025.
Ramara Council approved the designation at its Sept. 22, 2025, meeting. Moving forward, if Sept. 30 falls on a Saturday, the holiday will be observed on the Friday before; if it falls on a Sunday, the holiday will be observed on the following Monday.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was proclaimed by the Government of Canada in 2021. The day coincides with Orange Shirt Day and is meant to recognize those directly and indirectly affected by the residential school system, including survivors, their families, communities, and the children who never returned home. It is a time for reflection and learning as Canadians work together to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
For more information, including resources and ways to take part, please visit the Government of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage.
