Halton Community Gathers for Truth and Reconciliation Events

On September 30, 2023, Halton Region will commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This annual observance encourages Canadians to reflect on the legacy of residential schools, honouring the children who did not return home, as well as the survivors and their families. The day emphasizes the need for reconciliation and ongoing collective healing, encapsulated in the powerful phrase, “Every Child Matters.”

Halton Region is actively preparing for a series of community events throughout September, designed to foster reflection, dialogue, and action. A cornerstone of this initiative is the annual gathering at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, scheduled for September 30. This event invites residents of all ages to unite in solidarity, learn about Indigenous histories, and remember those impacted by residential schools. While specific details will be revealed closer to the date, attendance has been increasing each year, highlighting the growing significance of this observance in the community.

Leading up to the main event, the Truth and Reconciliation Summit will take place on September 24 at 2331 New Street, hosted by the Burlington Public Library. Organized by the Halton Equity Diversity Roundtable (HEDR), this full-day summit will bring together educators, community leaders, service providers, and residents. The aim is to amplify Indigenous voices and deepen understanding through workshops, dialogue, and shared meals. Participants will engage in transformative experiences, such as the Kairos Blanket Exercise, which provides an immersive learning experience rooted in Indigenous knowledge and storytelling.

Beyond Burlington, the Woodland Cultural Centre will offer educational programming from September 15 to 26, designed to engage schools and organizations in discussions about the history and impact of residential schools. These sessions will cater to various age groups, from elementary students to older youth and professionals, each including opportunities for reflection and dialogue with Cultural Interpreters. Notably, on September 30, the Woodland Cultural Centre will unveil the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, which will officially open as an interpretive site. This event will feature speeches, art activities, film screenings, social dances, and guided tours, providing a profound opportunity for visitors to connect with the history of one of Canada’s oldest residential schools.

In Oakville, a gathering titled “Truth with Reconciliation: We Are One” is scheduled for September 20 at The Meeting House. Hosted by Grandmother’s Voice, this event will include sacred meditation, storytelling, and teachings led by Elders and Grandmothers. The focus will be on fostering peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation not only among people but also with the land, water, treaties, and all of humanity.

Additionally, the Remember the Children Walk for Reconciliation will be organized by the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) and Grandmother’s Voice, with further details to be announced soon. Throughout September, local libraries in Milton will engage young people by inviting children to express their thoughts on what Orange Shirt Day means to them. Their creative expressions on t-shirt templates will be displayed in library branches, serving as a visual reminder of how the message of “Every Child Matters” resonates with the next generation.

These events collectively demonstrate Halton Region’s commitment to honouring the lives affected by residential schools while creating spaces for education, dialogue, and healing. As September progresses, residents are encouraged to participate actively, listen, and reflect on their roles in the reconciliation process. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation transcends a single day on the calendar; it represents an ongoing journey toward truth, understanding, and collective change.