National Day for Truth and Reconciliation community events
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time for reflection and mourning. It is also a time for learning, understanding and committing to a better future for all who call this land home. Acknowledging the traumatic legacy of Canada’s residential schools is a small but crucial step towards recognizing and honouring the healing journey of survivors and their families.
We encourage residents to create opportunities for meaningful discussion and to learn more about the true history of our country, including the tragic and shameful impacts of the residential school system. By listening intently and learning from the experiences of others, we can all become allies for change and continue to move forward on the path to healing and reconciliation.
In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a York Region staff reconciliation walk has been planned for end of day, Thursday, September 26 at Fairy Lake in the Town of Newmarket. Below is a list of some of the many events planned in our communities:
Aurora
September 30: The Town of Aurora will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30 at Aurora Town Square with a ceremony and community gathering. The ceremony and community gathering will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be led by Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody, Ancestral Knowledge Keeper Raiden Levesque and Spoken Word Poet Sarah Lewis. This gathering has been developed through partnership with the Town of Aurora, Aurora Cultural Centre and members of the Indigenous community.
Following the ceremony and gathering, join us for a Concert for Truth & Reconciliation at 7: 30 p.m. at the Aurora Town Square Performance Hall. The Aurora Cultural Centre will commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through the power of music. Join Indigenous musicians and leaders for an evening featuring reflections in song.
The Aurora Public Library will show the film screening of Wilfred Buck all day on Monday, September 30. This is a virtual event. To learn more, visit the Truth and Reconciliation webpage.
East Gwillimbury
September 25: The Newmarket and East Gwillimbury Public Libraries present award-winning documentary Wilfred Buck about a Cree Elder who brings to life ancient teachings of Indigenous astronomy and cosmology to tell a story that spans generations. Watch the special York Cinemania screening on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 7 p.m. at SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas. Purchase tickets online.
September 26: Join us at the Farmers Market from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre (19000 Leslie St.) for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The day will include a smudging ceremony and live performance by Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Jared Big Canoe. There will also be children's book readings by the East Gwillimbury Public Library and a beaded necklace workshop that will include learnings about the residential school system. Everyone is invited to participate in an orange ribbon station, where orange ribbons are tied to remember the children who died at residential schools.
September 30: Flag ceremony from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., at the Civic Centre, 19000 Leslie Street, Town of East Gwillimbury
Georgina
September 30: In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Town of Georgina, in partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, will hold a flag raising event at the Civic Centre. Residents are welcome to attend this event commemorating the tragedy of residential schools in Canada and their continuing impact on Indigenous communities. Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In collaboration with the Town and Island View Business Centre, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation is creating a Tiny Shoe Memorial to honour the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools. New or lightly used children's shoes or boots can be dropped off at this event or Island View Business Centre. All shoes will be donated to children's organizations in need. To learn more, visit the Truth and Reconciliation webpage
King
September 30: Join us between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. for a meaningful evening of Indigenous speakers, traditional drumming and signing, traditional dancing, food, crafts and more. View the collection of Indigenous artifacts and learn its history. All participants are encouraged to wear orange shirts in recognition of the lives lost at residential schools across Canada Day. Orange shirts and sweaters will also be available for purchase and all proceeds will be going to the Orange Shirt Society and the Indian Residential School Survivor Society. Location: King Heritage & Culture Centre, 2920 King Road, King City
Markham
September 30: Join us at either the Milliken Mills or Cornell Branches of Markham Public Library between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. for The Truth in Truth and Reconciliation: Board Game Night.
The game provides a learning experience on the process of colonization through Truth and Consequence Cards. Participants will explore Canadian historical events as an Indigenous participant, with a goal to circle Turtle Island and collect four Eagle Feathers before being stripped of your Land, Language, Culture and Identity by the policies and actions of the Church and the Crown. Collect all Four Feathers and you are a SURVIVOR! Suitable for ages 14+
Newmarket
September 25: The Newmarket and East Gwillimbury Public Libraries present award-winning documentary Wilfred Buck about a Cree Elder who brings to life ancient teachings of Indigenous astronomy and cosmology to tell a story that spans generations. Watch the special York Cinemania screening on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 7 p.m. at SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas. Purchase tickets online.
September 30: Join us between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre (505 Pickering Crescent) for an inspiring and impactful presentation as Crystal Lavallee teams up with esteemed Dr. Wilton Littlechild. Dive into the heart of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, explore the legacy of Indian Residential Schools and learn where we stand as a nation today. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a powerful journey towards understanding and reconciliation.
Richmond Hill
September 25: Richmond Hill will raise the Every Child Matters flag at the City’s main Municipal Offices at 225 East Beaver Creek Road. The City is honoured to welcome Councillor Erma Ferrell of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) and Jay Shea of the Odeiwin Foundation to the event, which the public is welcome to attend.
September 30: The Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts will present a free performance by Mimi O'Bonsawin, with opening act, The North Sound, at 8 p.m. A contemporary roots singer-songwriter from Northeastern Ontario, Mimi embraces the beauty of the land through her Franco-Ontarian and Abenaki roots. Tickets are limited – please book in advance.
September 30: The City of Richmond Hill will sponsor a sacred fire to honour and renew the commitment to truth and reconciliation at Oak Ridges Community Centre from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., hosted by the Odeiwin Foundation.
Vaughan
September 30: The ‘Every Child Matters’ flag will fly at half-mast outside Vaughan City Hall, and City Hall will be illuminated orange in the evening. At 3 p.m., you are encouraged to watch a live national broadcast from Parliament Hill as the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, in partnership with CBC/Radio-Canada and the Algonquin Nation, memorialize the children lost to the residential school system and honour Survivors and their families.
Stouffville
Workshops throughout the month:
September 24: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library
September 25: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., 19 on the Park
This workshop is dedicated to creating awareness of the history, impact and legacy of Residential Schools, along with reconcliACTIONS communities and community members can utilize on their journey towards reconciliation. The event will include a traditional opening, a smudging ceremony and storytelling, while incorporating Indigenous ways of healing, with the help of our sacred medicines. This is a free event, all are welcome, space is limited, and registration is required to attend.
September 30: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library. Learn about the historical context of acknowledging the land from an Indigenous worldview of Haudenosaunee origin. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to begin crafting their own personal land acknowledgements.
