Each year on September 30, Canadians mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour the children who never returned from residential schools, survivors, and their families and communities.
According to the Government of Canada, the federal holiday was created in response to a Truth and Reconciliation Commission call to action and coincides with Orange Shirt Day, symbolizing the loss of culture, freedom and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced.
Locally, several events invite residents to learn, reflect and act.
In Alderville First Nation, the Every Child Matters Walk begins at 10:45 a.m. at the Health and Social Services building and travels to the community centre with four reflection stops on topics such as the Indian Act, residential and day schools and the Sixties Scoop.
Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson hopes everyone will join them.
In the evening, Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre will host “Canindian: A Celebration of Truth and a Celebration of Reconciliation” at 6:30 p.m. featuring actor, musician and activist Tom Jackson, alongside Indigenous leaders, drummers, dancers and a vendor market.
Admission is free with a suggested donation of $30 with all proceeds going to the Rice Lake Legal Personhood Initiative. Tom Jackson has pledged to match up to $5,000.
Simpson, who will also be speaking at the COP30 in Brazil during the United Nations Climate Change Conference on Alderville First Nations’ efforts with Rice Lake tells us more about the initiative.
Cobourg is also offering free film screenings of “Bones of Crows” at 2:30 and 7 p.m. in Victoria Hall’s Concert Hall, along with all-day reflection prompts outside the building and a chance to explore the Indigenous-created Waterfront Wisdom Pathway at the harbour.
Residents are encouraged to this opportunity to walk, watch, listen and learn and join these Northumberland events on September 30 to deepen their understanding, honour survivors, and show your support for Truth and Reconciliation in the community.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
