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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Among the various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures, the circle is at the centre, which represents being together in spirit of reconciliation. The orange colour represents truth-telling and healing. The pathway represents the road to reconciliation. First Nations, Inuit and Métis are represented in the image.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, 2022, the Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership observes the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as well as Orange Shirt Day and recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of these institutions.

The Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership (GBLIP) is committed to the journey toward Truth and Reconciliation, recognizing that there is meaningful collaboration to be done with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in our efforts to welcome newcomers into the territory. We know we have so much to learn from the Indigenous community.

Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. 

The following is a list of events and resources commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day across the region:

 

Chippewas of Saugeen’s National Truth & Reconciliation Day
Our Children Past, Present & Future: Friday, September 30th, 2022, 12:30 PM - 9:00 PM at Saugeen First Nation

Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden at Nawash Park (Kelso Beach) in Owen Sound

The ceremony starts at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 30, 2022, to honour and remember those who survived the residential school system and those children who never returned. A Sacred Fire will be lit, followed by a pipe ceremony, a residential school survivor and a youth group words, and drumming and song. The fire will remain open for your prayers and offerings of respect and remembrance (provided) until 1:00 PM.

Chippewas of Nawash Truth and Reconciliation Day

The ceremony begins at sunrise.  View the full Chippewas of Nawash Truth and Reconciliation Day Itinerary of Events.

The Blue Mountains L.E. Shore Public Library Truth and Reconciliation Gathering

Everyone is welcome to a Truth & Reconciliation Gathering with Heather McIntyre, Indigenous Life & Wellness Coach, of the Georgina Island First Nation.

Attendees will be asked to create, colour, or share a piece of art as an offering on that day to add to a personal "United Collaboration Story of Change"

Visit the Website to register and to find out more. 

Walkerton - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

Friday, September 30, 2022, begins at 6:30 PM

Memory Lane Park, Walkerton

(Durham Street & McNab Street)

Rain Location: Walkerton Branch Library Hall (249 Durham Street East)

Program Order (Beginning at 6:30 PM)

  • Meet at Memory Lane Park
  • Walk to Walkerton Branch Library Steps
  • Welcome & Speakers
  • Laying of Flowers or Natural Items
  • Final Words

More Resources:

Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its Calls to Action

There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996. Survivors advocated for recognition and reparations and demanded accountability for the intergenerational impacts of harms caused. Their efforts culminated in:

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission ran from 2008 to 2015 and provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the residential schools policy with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. The Commission released its final report detailing 94 calls to action. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration.

Learn how the Government of Canada is responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 93 to 94, which are based on revising the citizenship test to reflect a more inclusive history of the diverse Indigenous Peoples, including information about the Treaties and the history of residential schools, and replacing the Oath of Citizenship with a more inclusive statement to the Treaties with Indigenous Peoples: Newcomers to Canada, Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 93 to 94 Government Response

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has become the permanent archive for the statements, documents and other materials the Commission gathered. Its library and collections, as well as its National Student Memorial Register, are the foundation for ongoing learning and research.