National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Archives - Muskoka411

Community Invited To Honour National Day For Truth And Reconciliation At Special Event

Muskoka411 Staff — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:33:18 +0000

On Tuesday, September 30, the community is invited to gather at Canvas Brewing Company (12 John St., Huntsville) for an evening of reflection, resilience, and cultural celebration in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The free, family-friendly event is presented in partnership with Aspire Design Services and the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

The evening begins with a special screening of The Apology, the first in a two-part documentary series by Indigenous Geographic. Offering rare, behind-the-scenes access, the film follows the Indigenous delegation to the Vatican in 2022, whose efforts helped secure Pope Francis’s historic apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools. The documentary captures the emotional journey of Survivors, delegates, and their communities. Filmmaker Matt LeMay will be in attendance to share reflections and engage with the audience.

Following the screening, the event continues with an uplifting performance by JUNO-nominated Métis fiddler Brianna Lizotte. Rooted in the traditions of her Métis family and community, Brianna has shared her music across the world—including during the 2022 Indigenous delegation to the Vatican. Her latest album, Winston & I (2024), earned her a JUNO nomination for Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year.

This evening of story, song, and community is free and open to all:

Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Screening Begins: 7:00 PM
Reserve your spot at huntsvillefestival.ca

Join us in honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and in supporting a path forward through listening, learning, and shared experience.

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Ramara Recognizes National Day For Truth And Reconciliation As Statutory Holiday

News Room — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 01:02:05 +0000

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.

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Huntsville to Host 5th Annual March For National Day For Truth And Reconciliation And Orange Shirt Day

Muskoka411 Staff — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:14:08 +0000

The Huntsville Public Library, Town of Huntsville, and Hope Arises Project Inc. invite the community to join in Huntsville’s 5th Annual Orange Shirt Day activities on September 30, 2025. 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 5th annual march begins at 10:45 AM in River Mill Park and will once again proceed through downtown Huntsville before returning to River Mill Park. The closing ceremony will commence at 11:45 AM and include special guest speaker remarks.

The event will proceed rain or shine. This is a family-friendly event, and all are welcome. There will be photography and videography at the event.

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 on Monday, September 22 at noon in Civic Square and will remain raised until 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
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.”

For more information on Truth and Reconciliation Week 2025, please visit: nctr.ca

For more information on Orange Shirt Day, please visit: orangeshirtday.org

For more information on Hope Arises, please visit: hopearises.ca

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Canadore College Honours National Day For Truth And Reconciliation

Muskoka411 Staff — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:07:30 +0000

Orange Shirt Day originated in 2013 as a day to raise awareness about the residential school system and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities. Canadore College continued its tradition of marking the day with song, dance, story, and prayer at an outdoor gathering attended by students and staff. Elder in residence, Lorraine Liberty-Whiteduck, offered words of inspiration and healing, and she encouraged everyone to be kind, caring, and generous to one another.

First-year Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention student, Arthur Koosees, participated in the event. “In Kapuskasing we host a weekend truth and reconciliation event, and it’s nice seeing it here, “said Koosees. “There’s a lot of healing that’s being done that needs to get done. Being part of the bear clan, and going into a healing career, it just feels right for me and I’ll take these opportunities as they come.”

The movement was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor. At six years old, Webstad had her new orange shirt, gifted by her grandmother, taken away on her first day at a residential school. The orange shirt has since become a symbol of the loss of culture and identity experienced by Indigenous children in the residential school system.

In 2021, in light of the discoveries of unmarked graves near former residential school sites, September 30 became the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to stop the pace of everyday life and consider the significance of truth and reconciliation and the history behind Orange Shirt Day. Canadore College has formally recognized Orange Shirt Day since its inception.

“I just want to spread awareness to people who may not have heard the story of what the orange shirts mean,” said Gerald McComb, First Peoples’ Centre Cultural Advisor. “But I also want to talk about our side of it; the stories that we carry.”

“It’s a day when we get together to recognize the atrocities of the past but also the way we are moving forward with recognition,” said Sarah Julian, First Peoples’ Centre Director. “Even though we look back and we know that there were bad things that were happening, the fact that we are coming together today shows that people are moving towards truth and reconciliation and looking to make changes.”

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Recognizing Truth And Reconciliation In Bracebridge

Muskoka411 Staff — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:28:28 +0000

Join the Town of Bracebridge in recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, and all of their families and communities. We seek to understand the impact and intergenerational harm these schools have caused to Indigenous families and their communities and honour the First Nations, Inuit and Métis lives that were lost.

Commemorative Tree Planting
Annie Williams Memorial Park
Friday, September 27 | 11 a.m.

In honour of the See Muskoka Through Our Eyes, first Annual Traditional Powwow which took place on June 29 and 30, the Town will be planting a red oak at Annie Williams Memorial Park to honour the event and moment communities began the healing journey towards true reconciliation together. Join members of Council and Elder Chris Stock of A Journey Begins to recognize the occasion.

Flag Raising
Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court
Monday, September 30 | 10 a.m.

Join Mayor Maloney and members of Council to raise the Survivors Flag in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The flag is raised to honour the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

Wear Orange on September 30
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is observed on Orange Shirt Day. Members of the community are encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to honour the survivors, their families, and the lost children of residential schools.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to reflect on our history and the experiences of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. On September 30 and every day, we are committed to building relationships with our Indigenous partners, engaging in meaningful conversations and working towards fostering a community of inclusivity, growth and connection.”
– Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

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Canada Post Issues New Stamps To Commemorate National Day For Truth And Reconciliation

News Room — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 18:44:48 +0000

Canada Post unveiled four new stamps that shed some light on the truth and legacy of residential schools, whose impacts are still felt by Indigenous Peoples today. The stamps – being released on September 28 in connection with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 – are the second issue in the annual series for the future of truth and reconciliation.

Featuring stark archival images of residential schools in different parts of Canada, the stamps serve as a reminder of the fear, loneliness, pain and shame experienced by generations of Indigenous children in these federally and church-created institutions. The stamp issue serves as a vehicle for truth about Canada’s residential school system to help support the process of reconciliation and, ultimately, healing.

The stamps were unveiled earlier today at the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ontario. The centre was established in 1972 after the closing of the Mohawk Institute Residential School; a photograph of the Mohawk Institute is featured on the Official First Day Cover.

Truth before reconciliation

Canada Post worked closely with the Survivors Circle of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation this year on its annual Truth and Reconciliation stamp issue. The Survivors Circle stressed the necessity to address the truth before Canadians can collectively work toward reconciliation. Canada Post thanks the Survivors Circle for their guidance and collaboration.

The residential schools and school residence featured on the stamps are Kamloops Residential School, Kamloops, British Columbia; Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School, Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan; Sept-Îles Residential School, Sept-Îles, Quebec; and Grollier Hall, Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

About the stamps

The stamp issue includes an Official First Day Cover (OFDC) and a booklet of eight Permanent™ domestic rate stamps. The front of the OFDC features the Mohawk Institute, in Brantford, Ontario – the first school in Canada’s residential school system. The cancel location is Ottawa, Ontario, the seat of the federal government, where policies of assimilation were created that forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families and communities.

The stamp products will be available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada beginning on September 28, to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour support to former residential school students and their families. If you require support, please call 1‑866‑925‑4419.

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Chief Philip Franks Comments On The National Day For Truth And Reconciliation 2023

Muskoka411 Staff — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 16:23:38 +0000

Today, we recognize the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, each year on September 30th we reflect on the history and continued impact of Canada’s residential school system.

Most importantly, today serves as a day to honour and remember the children who were lost, the survivors, and all the families who felt and continue to feel the unfortunate lasting effects of these institutions.

We continue to welcome increased dialogue in all workplaces, recreationally, and personally regarding anti-racism and anti-bullying, and encourage deeper reflection, learning, and growth in the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

All are welcome to join Wahta Mohawks community members this afternoon for a walk and gathering, commencing at the Wahta Mohawks Administration Building at 3pm.

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Ontario Commemorates National Day For Truth And Reconciliation And Orange Shirt Day

Muskoka411 Staff — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:24:34 +0000

Premier Doug Ford and Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, released the following statement in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day:

“On September 30^th, people in Ontario and across Canada are observing the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is an opportunity to honour those who survived the Indian Residential School system and remember those who did not make it home. Ontarians are encouraged to take the time today to learn more and reflect on this dark and disturbing period in our country’s history and acknowledge the intergenerational harm it has caused.

Orange Shirt Day is also recognized on September 30^th. The day recalls the residential school experience of Phyllis Webstad. Phyllis, a Survivor from the Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation, wore an orange shirt gifted to her by her grandmother on her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia. The shirt was taken from her when she arrived and never given back, marking the beginning of Phyllis’s long and traumatic separation from her family, culture and heritage.

Today, Ontario will light a number of government buildings orange, and people across the country will wear orange to honour the more than 150,000 Indigenous children who were forced into Residential Schools.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Ontarians are encouraged to take every opportunity today, and throughout the year, to learn more and reflect on the tragic legacy of the Indian Residential School system and its impacts on Indigenous communities.”

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The Township Of Ramara And Brechin Public School Invites The Community To Join In On The Commemoration Of The National Day For Truth And Reconciliation

News Room — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:47:43 +0000

In Partnership with Brechin Public School and the Simcoe County District School Board, the Township of Ramara is commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 29 with an art display showcasing the 46 articles of UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples).

“I invite the Ramara community to join us on Friday, September 29, to create awareness and education around UNDRIPas we lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” states Mayor Clarke. “This is an opportunity as a community to learn, understand and reflect on the history and impact of the residential school system and the importance of protecting the rights of the First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.”

The opening ceremonies commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will begin on September 29, 2023, at 10:15 a.m.in the front area of the Township Administration Building located at 2297 Highway 12. All members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony and are encouraged to wear an orange to honour the children who never returned home and acknowledge the survivors and their families.

The morning will include raising the Every Child Matters Flag and viewing the art exhibit that showcases the grade six, seven and eight students of Brechin Public School and staff at the Township of Ramara’s interpretation of the 46 articles of UNDRIP. The art exhibit will take place inside the Council Chambers located at the Township Administration Building.

Weeks leading up to the commemoration, Rosanne Irving, an Elder in the community, Lisa Ligers, Instructional Facilitator of Indigenous Education for the Simcoe County District School Board and teachers Amy Sweet and Kim Varey of Brechin Public School met with the students at Brechin Public School and staff at the Township Administration Building with learning opportunities on UNDRIP. Students and staff then took the time to review the 46 articles found within the Declaration and chose one article to review, document and illustrate for the art display.

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Huntsville Honours National Day For Truth And Reconciliation With March And Gathering

Muskoka411 Staff — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:16:14 +0000

The Town of Huntsville, the Huntsville Public Library, and Hope Arises Project Inc. invites the community to join in Huntsville’s 3^rd Annual Orange Shirt Day March and Gathering on September 30, 2023. September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as well as 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.

On September 30, the community is encouraged to wear orange to honour the survivors and the lost children of residential schools. The march will begin at 9:45 am from the High Street municipal parking lot and proceed to River Mill Park. An opening ceremony will commence at 11:00 am and include a number of special guests including:

Jan Beaver, a storyteller, author of several children’s graphic novels and history books. Jan is a proud recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of her work in education. She is a member of the Alderville First Nation (Anishinaabe) and has dedicated most of her life to learning and teaching others about the history, traditions, and cultures of First Nation peoples.
Drumming performance by Chippewa Travellers. The Chippewa Travellers are an Aniishinaabeg family drum group originally from Chippewas of Nawash, Cape Croker (Neyaashingaming), Ontario but now reside in the Southern/Central area of Ontario
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.

The week leading up to September 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Week. Set by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), this year’s theme is Honoring Survivors: Remembering the Children. Part of the NTRC’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 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.”

Locally, the Survivors’ Flag will be raised in Huntsville from September 25 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. Banners produced by Hope Arises, and representing the Gifts of the Seven Grandfathers teachings, will also adorn Huntsville’s downtown. Many downtown businesses have orange ribbons in their storefront window to show their respect. A local screening of the film Bones of Crows is being held on October 2, 2023, at the Algonquin Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through the theatre or Reel Alternatives Huntsville.

For more information on Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023, please visit nctr.ca.

For more information on Orange Shirt Day, please visit orangeshirtday.org.

For more on Reel Alternatives Huntsville, visit reelalternativeshuntsville.ca.

For more information about Huntsville’s Orange Shirt Day March and Gathering, please visit huntsvillelibrary.ca.

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