National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day Ceremony 2024

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day Ceremony

The Town of Shelburne’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee invites you to attend the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day Ceremony.

Date:                Monday, September 30, 2024
Time:               7:00 pm
Location:        Jack Downing Park, 140 Main Street

View the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day Ceremony Brochure and Poster.

Program Activities Include 

• Opening Ceremony
• Flag Raising of Every Child Matters Flag
• Candle Light Reflection Walk approximately 1.1km

We encourage everyone attending to wear an Orange Shirt.

Shelburne DEI Committee

The Town of Shelburne has established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The committee’s mandate is to create a welcoming and inclusive community in the Town of Shelburne, where everyone can realize their full potential, unburdened by social injustice, inequality, discrimination, and accessibility challenges. We are committed to empowering all community members by advocating for and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the town's policies, services, and programs, guided by public input and sensitivity. Our ultimate vision is to lead by example, making Shelburne a model of accessibility for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds, with an ongoing commitment to identifying, addressing, and preventing barriers, and ensuring transparency in our efforts.

For more information visit: www.shelburne.ca/DEI/

About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021, marked the first observance of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, following the identification of potential unmarked burial sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

Survivors across Canada have long told stories of the abuse and deaths that took place at these institutions. The announcement from the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation has galvanized nationwide efforts by Indigenous communities to locate their missing children.

Commemorating this day to honour Survivors and increase understanding of the history and legacy of Residential Schools is one step in a long journey towards truth-telling and meaningful reconciliation.

Orange Shirt Day

September 30 is recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day inspired by the story of Indian Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad.

Phyllis was 6 years old when she wore her new orange shirt for her first day at residential school. Her shirt was immediately taken from her by school staff.

To honour the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remember those who did not, many Canadians across the country wear an orange shirt.

To watch the message from Phyllis Webstad www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3vUqr01kAk

Learn about and reflect on the ongoing legacy of Indian Residential Schools.  

https://www.ontario.ca/page/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation