Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Mississauga

On September 30, the City of Mississauga joins the rest of Canada to commemorate the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day to honour survivors, their families and communities and to commemorate and reflect on the tragic events and ongoing legacy of residential schools. The day is also an important time of education and remembrance to learn the truth about Canadian history and continue the journey towards reconciliation.

To acknowledge the loss of life and identity and to honour the survivors, their families and communities the City of Mississauga will be lighting its clock tower orange on September 30.

Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Mississauga has collaborated with Indigenous partners to host events and develop programs that highlight the voices and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. Residents who are looking to deepen their understanding of residential schools and the painful experiences of Indigenous communities are encouraged to take part in a variety of educational initiatives happening across the city.

Ways to get involved:

• Wear orange: September 30 is Orange Shirt Day. The community is encouraged to take part in this national conversation by wearing an orange shirt and sharing posts online using the hashtag #EveryChildMatters.
• Watch the livestreams at Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS): on September 29 at 10:30 a.m., the digital screens at MCS will broadcast the inaugural We Are All Related (Gidinawendimin) youth activation event, hosted by The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. On September 30, the MCS screens will highlight the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the City of Mississauga’s commitment to reconciliation. This valuable information will be displayed on the screens throughout the day.
• Participate in a guided museum tour: Museums of Mississauga is hosting free truth and reconciliation tours at Bradley Museum at various times throughout the month and will be open to host additional tours on September 30. Book a tour
• Take part in a gathering and healing ceremony and Indigenous artisan market: on September 30, Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters will host an opening ceremony featuring dancing, drumming and smudging at the Small Arms Inspection Building. On October 1 and 2, the community can explore an Indigenous Artisan Market featuring one-of-a-kind works by local artisans and more.
• View the Indigenous art exhibition: from September 30 to October 12, Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters will be hosting an art exhibition indoors at the Small Arms Inspection Building. This exhibit features new works by a number of Indigenous artists.Learn more
• Learn through Indigenous stories: the Mississauga Library has a variety of eBooks and eAudiobooks available featuring Indigenous stories for adults and children.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit mississauga.ca/truth-and-reconciliation.

Recreational facilities will run on holiday schedules and MiWay maintains its regular bus schedule. City offices will be closed and will resume its hours on Monday, October 3.

Tags

• Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
• Indigenous Relations