Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

This Saturday, September 30^th, marks the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day where Canadians reflect upon the experiences and history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada. It is a day to acknowledge, reflect, and learn about the injustices they faced through the residential school system and the ways it continues to affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

The Town of Arnprior honours intergenerational survivors, their families and communities who have been, and continue to be, impacted by the Residential School System. In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Survivors Flag will be flown at Town Hall the week beginning September 26^th and the flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, September 29th.

During this same time period, Museum clock tower will be illuminated in orange.

There are no operational changes to Town facility hours on Saturday, September 30^th or Monday, October 2^nd.

Why we wear orange shirts on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation falls on the same day as Orange Shirt Day, which honours the story of Phyllis Webstad, a former residential school student who had her orange shirt her grandmother gifted to her taken away on her first day at residential school.

The orange shirt has become a symbol of commemoration of the experiences of Indigenous children who were removed from their families to attend residential schools where their language and culture were repressed, and many children endured physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Whether you’re attending an event or taking some time to learn on your own, you are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on September 30 to help spread awareness.

Ways you can observe and honour the day

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we can learn and reflect on the meaning of this day by attending an event, reading the Truth and Reconciliation report, speaking and listening to Elders or taking a moment for quiet reflection. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility for all Canadians and requires action not just on this day but every day.

Here are a few ways to observe and honour the day:

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting a series of virtual lunch and learn sessions throughout the week. A national commemorative gathering will also be broadcast live from Parliament Hill on Saturday, September 30. Check your local listings to tune in live. Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website to learn more information and to register.
Visitors at the Canadian Museum of History will be invited to join the conversation on truth and reconciliation on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1. Visit historymuseum.ca to learn more.
The Arnprior Public Library staff have put together an adult and youth book display of resources that you can read and learn from throughout the year.
On Thursday, September 28^th, Creating Your Own Land Acknowledgment – at 1:00 p.m. at Ma-te-Way Park, Renfrew, visit the event page to learn more here.
On Saturday, September 30th, a short film will be screened at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre’s Sacred Space. Following the screening, visitors can participate in a guided Reconciliation Tour and attend the unveiling of the Children’s Sacred Forest at 2 pm. For more information and to register, visit beechwoodottawa.ca.
On Saturday, September 30^th, BIAK EarlyOn Mobile presentation at Waba Cottage Museum & Gardens, 24 Museum Road, White Lake at 10:00 am, learn more on the event page.
On Saturday, September 30^th, Indigenous singing, dancing, and drumming. 11:00 am at Ma-te-Way Park, Renfrew, learn more on the event page.
On Saturday, September 30^th, Truth & Reconciliation Vigil 7:00 pm, Riverfront Park (Spring St.), Almonte, learn more on the event page.