BRAMPTON, ON (September 23, 2024) – The City of Brampton is committed to our reconciliation efforts and will be observing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30. These significant days encourage reflection on the legacy of the residential school system and the lasting impacts on First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.
The City urges members of the public to take time to reflect, learn and participate in the scheduled events, in recognition of the lives lost, the survivors and their families affected by residential schools, and actions that can be taken towards reconciliation.
Events and Programming:
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day Proclamation Reading
Join us as we formally proclaim September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Brampton.
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Location: Brampton City Hall, 4th Floor, Council Chambers
Orange Shirt Day Sales
Orange shirts, symbolic of Phyllis Webstad’s story and the children who attended residential schools, will be available for purchase for $20. Thank you for supporting an Indigenous business and local Indigenous organization.
Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Garden Square, 12 Main Street North
Every Child Matters Flag Raising
In recognition of the children who never returned home and the survivors of the residential school system, the City of Brampton will raise the Every Child Matters flag.
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Location: Brampton City Hall, 2 Wellington Street
Discover Turtle Island: A Storytime Adventure with Rabbit and Bear Paws
Experience this captivating puppet show that brings Indigenous stories to life. Children will enjoy an engaging and educational journey into Indigenous traditions. Spaces are limited and registration is required.
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm
Location: Cyril Clark Theatre, 20 Loafer’s Lake Lane
Kids Beading Workshop with Katie Longboat
Join Indigenous artist Katie Longboat from Six Nations of the Grand River for a workshop teaching traditional beading techniques and the cultural significance behind them. Spaces are limited and registration is required.
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Locations & Times:
Mount Pleasant Village Library: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Four Corners Library: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
City of Brampton Clock Tower Lighting
The City Hall Clock Tower will be lit orange to honour the children, survivors and families impacted by the residential school system.
Date: Monday, September 30, 2024
Location: Brampton City Hall, 2 Wellington Street
Brampton Transit Commemoration
Brampton Transit will display a message on all electronic bus destination signs in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
City of Brampton’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
City of Brampton employees will participate in learning and development opportunities aimed at fostering understanding and guiding meaningful action towards reconciliation.
Since the launch of the City’s Equity Office in 2021, Brampton has committed to building meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities. The Equity Office includes a Senior Advisor of Indigenous Relations to guide and strengthen processes along the reconciliation journey ensuring City decisions and programs are collaborative in nature and respect Indigenous culture and heritage.
What You Can Do
The City of Brampton encourages everyone to honour and support survivors of residential schools by:
- Listening to survivors’ stories
- Reading the Orange Shirt story with your family
- Watching Phyllis’s story on YouTube
- Donating to organizations that support residential school survivors
Additional Resources
To learn more about Indigenous history, cultures and experiences, visit:
Quotes
“The City of Brampton is committed to acknowledging the painful legacy of residential schools and supporting our Indigenous communities on their healing journeys. As we observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we encourage all residents to reflect on the importance of these days and take action towards reconciliation. By working together, we can build a future rooted in mutual respect, understanding and justice.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“As an organization, we recognize and acknowledge our responsibility in advancing reconciliation efforts within our city and workplaces. We are committed to providing our employees with learning opportunities that deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories and the ongoing impacts of colonization. Through these efforts, we can contribute to meaningful, long-lasting change in the community and beyond.” - Marlon Kallideen, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to honour the Indigenous children who never came home as well as the survivors, families and communities impacted by residential schools. Each year we recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities and reflect on the grim truths of our shared history. We must all continue to listen, learn and take meaningful actions toward reconciliation. Together, we can promote healing and work toward justice for future generations.” - Shanika Johnson, Equity Office Manager, City of Brampton
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