Today, Monday, September 30th (2024), Bruce County will solemnly observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
This day serves as a significant opportunity for all Canadians to acknowledge, remember, and contemplate the tragic history and lasting impact of residential schools on Indigenous people and communities. Residents, businesses, and staff are encouraged to enhance their understanding of the residential school system through education and to wear an orange shirt in honour of the survivors and in memory of those who did not.
Throughout September, the “Every Child Matters” flag has been flown at prominent County locations. On September 30th, it will be respectfully lowered to half-mast.
In pursuit of ongoing reconciliation efforts, Bruce County has made significant progress through its Indigenous Reconciliation Planning Initiative, introducing ongoing training and developing the Indigenous Reconciliation Framework and the Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway. A key milestone was achieved on July 4th (2024), when both were approved during a Special Bruce County Council Meeting. These efforts focus on promoting Indigenous cultural awareness, intercultural competency, and fostering respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples.
In September, the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation, Saugeen First Nation, and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, presented a series of meaningful initiatives aimed at advancing reconciliation. The Indian Day Schools: The National and Local Story exhibition, that runs from September 16th to November 30th, sheds light on the history and lasting impact of over 699 federally run Indian Day Schools across Canada, including seven located in Bruce County.
Further, from September 23-27, daily “Lunch and Learn” webinars were hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to provide an immersive opportunity to unlearn the myths of colonial history in Canada. The webinars, screened in the Bruce Power theatre, featured speakers, Q&A sessions, and simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and ASL.
From October 2nd to November 20th at 11:00 a.m., Community Conversations, led by members of the Chippewas of Saugeen and the Chippewas of Nawash, will offer personal insights into these stories, with weekly sessions every Wednesday to begin and deepen understanding of local experiences.
The museum is also featuring the award-winning Anishnaabwe Endaat exhibition, created in collaboration with Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash, which explores the past and future of the Anishnaabwe peoples, emphasizing their deep connection to the land.
Additionally, the Bruce County Public Library continued its commitment to reconciliation by hosting a Truth and Reconciliation Gathering led by Priscilla Yellowhead Tobey on September 27th at the Tobermory Branch.
The library also highlights a curated collection of books on reconciliation, featuring works by Indigenous authors and thought leaders. These selections provide valuable insights into Indigenous history, culture, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. Patrons are encouraged to borrow these books to deepen their understanding and engage in thoughtful reflection on the shared responsibilities of reconciliation.
Lastly, everyone is welcome to participate in the Walk for Wenjack events, part of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, which aims to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples together through education, awareness, and action. Walks will be held on October 18th at Wiarton’s Bluewater Park and October 21st at Southampton’s Fairy Lake Pavilion, both starting at 1:00 PM. The Bruce County Museum will also host free Secret Path screenings on October 21st at 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM, with donations to the Nawash food bank encouraged.
Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation online at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
“On September 30, 2024, as we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us unite in reflection and action,” said Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody. “This day is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of residential schools and an opportunity for all of us to educate ourselves, honor the survivors, and remember those we have lost. By participating in this day of commemoration and engaging in our ongoing reconciliation efforts, we affirm our commitment to healing and building stronger, more respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples.”
About Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day is a movement to recognize the colonial legacy of residential schools and commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. Observed since 2013, Orange Shirt Day recalls the experience of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, who at six years old was stripped of her brand-new bright orange t-shirt, in favour of mandatory uniforms, on her first day at a residential school in 1973.
Ms. Webstad’s story is the nucleus for what has become a national movement to recognize the experience of survivors of Indian residential schools, honour them, and show a collective commitment to ensure that every child matters. The initiative calls for every Canadian to wear an orange shirt on September 30th in the spirit of healing and reconciliation. The date of September 30th was chosen because it was the time of year when Indigenous children were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools.
