For Immediate Release September 27, 2023
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day for us to pause and reflect upon Canada's history concerning the residential school system, deepen our understanding of its ongoing impact on Indigenous Peoples, and extend our support to the affected families and communities.
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
On August 30, 2021, Town Council approved that the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake commit to recognizing September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by sharing the stories of residential school survivors, their families, and communities and engaging in meaningful education related to Truth and Reconciliation.
Each year, the Town holds a flag-raising ceremony and reflective walk to encourage Staff to consider the tragic history of residential schools and help to ensure this legacy is not forgotten. Aspects of the ceremony include Indigenous guest speakers, performances, and tributes. Details for the 2023 ceremony are as follows:
- Date: Friday, September 29
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
- Location: Town Administration Building (1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil)
- Details: There will be a flag-raising ceremony outside the Town's Main Administration Building, including a performance by the Strong Water Singers, an award-winning Indigenous collective of drummers from across the Niagara Region who are committed to decolonizing and rebuilding sisterhood. This will be followed by a reflective walk around the track at the Virgil Sports Park.
Members of the public are welcome to attend and participate in this initiative.
We encourage every resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake to engage in understanding more about the historical influence of residential schools and support and amplify the voices of our Indigenous communities.
For information about the Historical Indigenous Figures of Niagara-on-the-Lake, please visit the Town's website at https://www.notl.com/recreation-events/community-initiatives-events.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library has self-directed reading lists and book displays available at their location (10 Anderson Lane, Niagara-on-the-Lake), and will be playing the National Film Board’s collection of Indigenous-made films.
For more information about these initiatives and others, please visit notlpubliclibrary.org.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum is selling Orange Shirt pins for $10.00, with all proceeds going to the Niagara Regional Native Centre. The artwork for the pins was designed by Marcy Friesen, who is of Swampy Cree and Welsh ancestry and currently resides in Saskatchewan. Community members can pick up a pin at the museum shop located at 43 Castlereagh Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
For more information about this initiative and others, please visit www.notlmuseum.ca.
In the spirit of Reconciliation, may we all embark on a path of healing and understanding together.
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Media contact:
Marah Minor, Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com