National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
With sombre hearts, the Region of Durham recognizes and observes September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we memorialize and honour the children taken, the families left behind and the survivors of Canada’s residential school system.
Throughout this month, we encourage everyone to take some time and reflect on Canada’s legacy of colonialism; the ongoing violence and trauma inflicted on Indigenous communities; and to learn about actions we can take to work towards reconciliation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. Without addressing Canada’s tragic history, and its lasting impacts, we cannot move forward.
Participate
Committing to reconciliation involves learning about Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, and creating genuine and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. It is only when we take these steps and embrace reconciliation in our hearts, minds and actions that we can truly create spaces for healing and understanding.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. On this day we remember Phyllis Webstad’s experience at a residential school. Phyllis’ orange shirt was taken away, symbolic of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem of all Indigenous children.
Listen
We are encouraged to listen to the stories of survivors, and families of survivors, like April Andre and Joan Trudeau; to reaffirm that Every Child Matters and we have not forgotten about those left behind; and to commit to identifying acts of colonialism in our society and actively work towards eliminating them.
Pathway to Reconciliation
March to honour residential school survivors—September 22 at 10 a.m.
Join us on September 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, as we march to honour the children that did not return home, the families left behind and the residential school survivors.
The march will begin at the Pathway to Reconciliation Crosswalk, located near the south entrance of Durham Regional Headquarters in Whitby, and continue along Rossland Road to Fallingbrook Park before returning back to Durham Region Headquarters.
To request support or accommodations you may need to attend this event, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@durham.ca or 905-668-4113 extension 2009.