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


Region of Durham Truth and Reconciliation Awareness Walk—September 20 at 9:30 a.m.

Join us on September 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. as we walk in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to bring awareness to the need for individual and collective actions toward reconciliation.

The walk will begin at the Pathway to Reconciliation Crosswalk, located near the south entrance of Durham Regional Headquarters in Whitby (near Garden Street), and continue along Rossland Road to Fallingbrook Park, at the intersection of Rossland and Anderson.

We will stop at the park for a reflection activity before returning to Durham Region Headquarters where refreshments will be served.

Please register to participate in the walk. If possible, please wear an orange shirt and don’t forget to bring your water bottle.

This event is being planned by the Indigenous Advocacy Committee of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group, in collaboration with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division and in partnership with the City of Pickering and Town of Whitby.

To request support or accommodations you may need to attend this event, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@durham.ca (External link) or 905-668-4113 extension 2009.

Subscribe for updates

Subscribe to this page to receive updates and new resources throughout the month of September.

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


Region of Durham Truth and Reconciliation Awareness Walk—September 20 at 9:30 a.m.

Join us on September 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. as we walk in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to bring awareness to the need for individual and collective actions toward reconciliation.

The walk will begin at the Pathway to Reconciliation Crosswalk, located near the south entrance of Durham Regional Headquarters in Whitby (near Garden Street), and continue along Rossland Road to Fallingbrook Park, at the intersection of Rossland and Anderson.

We will stop at the park for a reflection activity before returning to Durham Region Headquarters where refreshments will be served.

Please register to participate in the walk. If possible, please wear an orange shirt and don’t forget to bring your water bottle.

This event is being planned by the Indigenous Advocacy Committee of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group, in collaboration with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division and in partnership with the City of Pickering and Town of Whitby.

To request support or accommodations you may need to attend this event, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@durham.ca (External link) or 905-668-4113 extension 2009.

Subscribe for updates

Subscribe to this page to receive updates and new resources throughout the month of September.
Page last updated: 12 Sep 2024, 06:22 AM