Peterborough Recognizing National Truth and Reconciliation Day Honouring Residential School Victims

Observed in 2013 and elevated to a statutory holiday, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours survivors of the residential school system and the children who didn’t make it home.

Crystal Scrimshaw (pictured) was part of the City’s efforts and official recognition of Truth and Reconciliation last year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Friday is the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day concludes the Truth and Reconciliation Week from Monday to Friday.

Wearing orange on this day is a symbol of support and recognition for those who attended residential schools.

This holiday was created through Parliament’s legislative amendments, under the Call to Action #80 from the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015.

As well as remembering these children, Truth and Reconciliation Day/Week gives Canadians the opportunity to educate, listen and learn about the treatment of Indigenous peoples.

“September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Formerly known as “Orange Shirt Day,” it originated as a day for all Canadians to learn about and reflect on the horrific treatment of Indigenous children at residential schools across Canada,” said Diane Therrien, Peterborough mayor in her statement. “Children were taken from their parents and held against their will. Parents were threatened with arrest when they resisted the apprehension of their children. The first residential schools opened in the 1880s. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996. For over 100 years, children were stolen from their families, their communities, and their homes.”

The City Hall flags are half-mast on Friday with the lights at Centennial Fountain being lit orange.

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