Proclamation for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Whereas each year, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an opportunity to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process; and

Whereas this day builds on Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the clarion call that “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations; and

Whereas Council Members and staff will be participating in a Blanket Exercise to foster a better understanding of the relationship between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people, through a historical narrative; and

Whereas the Town of Arnprior is humbly engaged in a learning path through building relationships with local Indigenous Nations and organizations in order to better understand the history of Indigenous-settler relationships, the enduring impacts of colonization and how we can best serve Indigenous community members while working together on the path of reconciliation and decolonization; and

Whereas community members are invited to join us on our learning path to share in the understanding of generations impacted by residential schools; and

Whereas a Flag Raising Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, to raise awareness for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Now Therefore I, Lisa McGee, Mayor, do hereby recognize September 30th, 2025, as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) in the Town of Arnprior and encourage all Members of Council, staff and residents wear orange as a sign of respect and to honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools.

Lisa McGee, Mayor
Town of Arnprior

Ways to Observe

Be informed on Indigenous History and the Residential School System

Visit your local library, reach out to your local Indigenous elders and knowledge-keepers, or search out books, readings, videos, and other media that discuss Indigenous history to better understand the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. You can find more resources through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). Reconciliation is a shared responsibility for all Canadians and requires action not just on this day but every day.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)'s Summary of their Final Report - "Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future"
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)'s Calls to Action Summary
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)'s Final Report - "Reclaiming Power and Place"
Map of Ontario treaties and reserves
Map of Indigenous lands

Engage in Events in Your Community

Hear about the experiences of Indigenous peoples in our local area. Knowing the people you interact with regularly and their concerns will help you make more impactful decisions when you help and support them. A list of local events has been included below for your reference.

Flag Raising for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Town Hall)
Blackbird Medicines workshop (Death Doula work) A public talk by Chrystal Toop (member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation) and founder of Blackbird Medicines, a Plant & Land-based Spiritual and Cultural Wellness practice(Arnprior and District Museum)
October 24th BIAK Drumming Group at the Library. Anyone is invited to attend and listen.

Wear an Orange Shirt

The 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.

Take ReconciliACTION as an Individual

ReconciliACTION is considering that the journey that we walk together to change and evolve as we learn more about our shared history demands action. Here are some actions that you can take to on the path to reconciliation as individuals:

Follow Indigenous content creators on social media while listening and engaging with their content.
Support Indigenous-owned businesses through purchases and sharing on social media.
Take an active interest in Indigenous worldviews, cultures, languages and history by reading Indigenous-authored books, taking an Indigenous-led course, watching Indigenous programming and/or listening to an Indigenous podcast.
Be comfortable listening and having courageous conversations with others that challenge stereotypes and biases.
Make an effort to attend Indigenous-led events and participate in Indigenous days throughout the year.
Build and nurture relationships with Indigenous peoples, communities and partners while advocating for change to support the wellbeing of Indigenous communities across the country.