Recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Oakville

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Canadians are provided with an opportunity to learn about and commemorate the survivors of residential schools, as well as the Indigenous children who never returned home. In Oakville, there are numerous ways to recognize September 30 and delve deeper into the rich and diverse culture of Indigenous peoples:

• Wear an orange shirt to raise awareness about the intergenerational impact and trauma residential schools have had on Indigenous communities and consider making a donation to the Orange Shirt Society to support their work in commemorating the residential school experience and fostering reconciliation.
• Explore the Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project, a travelling exhibition which provides an opportunity to better understand the past and present Treaty relationships in what is now Oakville. This exhibit, a partnership between the Oakville Museum, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the Oakville Community Foundation, shares the history and culture of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation through community knowledge, archival documents, videos, and interactive components. It will be on display at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre on September 21 and 22, Oakville Museum from September 24 to 27 and Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA) on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30. 
• Discover the history of the area known today as Lions Valley Park at Knox Presbyterian Church Sixteen, 1150 Dundas Street, on September 28, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Attend a performance by singer/songwriter and inspirational speaker Lacey Hill, featuring Derek Miller, Kristen McKay and James Wilson at the OCPA on September 30, starting at 8 p.m. For complimentary tickets, please visit the Oakville Centre website.
• Celebrate Indigenous heritage and culture while creating a visual reminder to recognize and honour the past by participating in a Moccasin Identifier activity at Centennial Square, 120 Navy Street, on September 30 starting at 7 p.m.
• Tune in to the Truth and Reconciliation LIVE session from 10 to 11 a.m. on September 30 available on the Grandmother’s Voice Facebook page and YouTube channel.
• Join in for the Gathering and Ceremony to Remember the Children from 12 to 1 p.m. on September 30 at the Oakville Museum.
• Take part in the Drumming, Singing and Moments of Reflection community gathering from 7 to 7:45 p.m. on September 30 at the OCPA ahead of the Lacey Hill performance.
• Visit Oakville’s first orange crosswalk at Thomas and Church streets and watch Oakville Understanding Reconciliation with Sherry Saevil to learn about its importance. 
• Watch Understanding Indigenous History to learn about reconciliation, treaties and how to work together.
• Enjoy a walk along the Moccasin Trails and explore the history of the lands from an Indigenous perspective. Follow the Moccasin Trails signs along Bronte Creek Heritage Trail beginning at Rebecca Street and Mississaga Street, and along Sixteen Mile Creek Inner Valley to Dundas Street West at Lions Valley.
• Visit Tannery Park and explore the First Nations history wall and Moccasin Identifier, built to promote public awareness of significant cultural historic sites and the ancestral presence of First Nations, Métis and Indigenous communities.
• Explore the Oakville Public Library’s Truth and Reconciliation page for book recommendations and more information.

Oakville, as we know it today, is rich in the history and modern traditions of many First Nations and the Métis. From the lands of the Anishinaabe to the Attawandaron, the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in Indigenous history. We acknowledge and thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation for being stewards of this territory.

In addition to the activities being offered by the town, the 'Every Child Matters' orange flag will be flown at Town Hall starting September 26 and lowered to half-mast on September 30. The lights at Town Hall and the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts will also be lit orange during the week of September 23.

For more information, visit the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation page. 

Quote

"As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I urge all residents to take the time to reflect on the lasting impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples. This day serves as a reminder of the trauma and oppression faced by generations and the ongoing need for healing and understanding. At the town, we are committed to taking concrete steps to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. Through reflection and learning, we can create a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels respected and valued."
– Mayor Rob Burton