Kawartha Lakes recognizes 2023 National Truth and Reconciliation ...

18 Sep 2023

City of Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes – September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; a day where we reflect on the trauma caused to Indigenous Peoples and communities across the country by the Residential School system.

Truth and Reconciliation Day - Figure 1 — Photo City of Kawartha Lakes

Please join us on September 26, at 12pm, for a Flag Raising at 26 Francis Street, Lindsay, on the eastern lawn of City Hall. The flag raising will take place in advance of the Regular Council Meeting at 1pm.

All members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony. Please wear something orange to commemorate the devastating impact of Residential School systems, to honour the children who never returned home, and to acknowledge the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

In the words of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, “reconciliation starts with education”. For those unable to attend the flag raising on September 26, here are a few different ways that you can observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

There are a number of lunch and learns available from September 25 to September 30. To register, please visit the website for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. All Kawartha Lakes Public Library Branches will have a display featuring First Nations, Metis and Inuit authors. On Saturday, September 30, the Lindsay branch will host a special Indigenous themed Story Time at 10:30am, geared towards preschoolers, their parents, and caregivers. All library branches will also have a craft workshop taking place on Saturday, September 30, with participants making an Orange Shirt pin to wear and honour the day. All events are free and do not require registration. For more information on ‘Indigenous Reads and Resources” check out our Library resource page. Wear orange and take time to reflect and learn more about the lived experiences of residential school survivors, their families and communities. Once the flag has been raised, drive by City Hall and take a moment to reflect. Visit the TRC Bobcaygeon website www.trcbobcaygeon.org to learn more about what Reconciliation means in Canada and locally in Kawartha Lakes. Read municipal Land Acknowledgement and First Nations policies Read the Truth and Reconciliation Report Visit the Government of Canada website for resources for people of all ages to learn about Indigenous cultures. Visit the Peterborough and District Wapiti Métis Council: www.metisnation.org/community-councils/peterborough-and-district-wapiti-metis-council Visit Curve Lake First Nation: www.curvelakefirstnation.ca Check out the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Canada: www.inuitcircumpolar.com/icc-canada

As Kawartha Lakes Councillor for Ward 3, Mike Perry who is Métis, noted, “This day we reflect on the horrors of residential schools, how they happened, and how they still haunt us. But I still have hope. I saw it most recently when more than 200 people – most non-Indigenous – came out to the Indigenous story pole ceremony in Fenelon this summer. Clearly, we can do what’s needed in the human spirit of truth, love, and generosity to live together better moving forward to honour our ancestors and for our children on this land. We’re all in this together."

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