National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (1)

Council Statement: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The following statement was read during the Sept 18 Council meeting:

We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which many of us are gathered today is the land traditionally cared for by the Haudensaunee, Anishnaabe and Neutral peoples. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and philosophies of the Indigenous people with whom we share this land today. We offer this acknowledgement, a small act of reconciliation, at a time when as a community and as a nation, we are turning our attention to learning and taking action for change. September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the children who never returned home and the Survivors of residential schools as well as their families and communities. October 4 is Sisters in Spirit Day, a day to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

The proximity of these days to each other emphasizes the profound impact of colonialism and racism on the lives of Indigenous people. The violence and injustice experienced by Indigenous children and their families at the hands of residential schools continues to be present in the form of disproportionate levels of violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people in the face of a system that does not deliver answers or justice.

The truth is difficult. But we can not skip it on the way to reconciliation. We encourage all residents of our city and region to stop, reflect, learn and act. Explore the many learning resources curated by our local libraries. Unlearn biases and reject negative stereotypes about Indigenous people. Wear orange. Attend upcoming events to remember and honour Survivors, as well as events that celebrate
Indigenous culture and contributions. Donate to local Indigenous-led organizations.

As a City, we re-commit ourselves to continued learning about and grappling with the truth during this time of reflection and remembrance. We further commit to the year-round and long-term work of reconciliation with the goal of creating a better community for the seven generations yet to come.