City marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with education and awareness

With the establishment of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory Canadian holiday in 2021, the City of Mississauga has been making resources available to residents looking to learn more about this important day. September 30 is dedicated to honouring the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

Throughout September, Mississauga joins the rest of Canada to commemorate the history and continues our journey for truth and reconciliation. It is a time for education, reflection and remembrance.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is intended to raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools and to promote the concept of Every Child Matters.

Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, the City is offering a number of activities that can help residents commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools through education.

Begin or continue your learning journey 

• Created in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, Orange Shirt Day is a time for all Canadians to reflect on the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, honour survivors and continue learning as we work toward reconciliation. Wear an orange shirt on September 30 and be a part of the national conversation using the hashtag #EveryChildMatters.

• On Saturday, September 30, the digital screens at Mississauga Celebration Square will display messages of encouragement for visitors to learn, reflect and engage in reconciliation. A series highlighting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the City’s commitment to reconciliation will be displayed on the screens throughout the day.
• From September 1 to 30, museum visitors can participate in a guided tour of the grounds and Bradley House. Museum staff will share information about the history of Indigenous Peoples on the land now known as Mississauga and the Credit Mission Village. Staff will also share what the City of Mississauga is doing today to further the process of reconciliation.
• On the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, visitors to Benares Historic House can take a guided tour of the grounds and house. Museum staff will share information about the history of Indigenous Peoples on the land now known as Mississauga. Letters from family connected to the house will provide a glimpse of how settlers and the Mississaugas interacted.

• Visitors can also take part in the Moccasin Identifier Project. This project was developed by Carolyn King in partnership with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and The Greenbelt Foundation to promote public awareness of significant cultural historic sites and the ancestral presence of First Nations, Metis and Indigenous Communities.

• On Thursday, September 14, Mississauga’s older adult residents are encouraged to learn more about The Moccasin Identifier Project and how they can get involved. No pre-registration is required to participate.

Learn through Indigenous stories and exhibits

• The Mississauga Library has curated a book list focused on Truth and Reconciliation where library card holders are encouraged to sign out and learn more.
• To commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Mississaugas leaving the Credit for a new home in Hagersville, the Honouring the Mississaugas exhibit was created by the Museums of Mississauga in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to honour their legacy and celebrate the history of this mighty nation. Visitors can explore the exhibit at Meadowvale Library from September 1 to 14 and at Frank McKechnie Library from September 16 to 30.
• To recognize both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) flag will be raised on September 30 at City Hall and the Civic Centre clock tower will be lit orange to recognize the same cause.
• On Friday, October 6, the community is invited to the Malton Library to create a visual reminder to recognize and honour our past using a Moccasin Identifier stencil kit. Participants will use stencils to create temporary paintings of moccasins worn by Indigenous Peoples to promote awareness and understanding of the history of the land we stand on. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In partnership with Museums Mississauga. Drop-in anytime during scheduled times.

Mississauga’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in action

• In February 2022, Mayor Bonnie Crombie along with Members of Council and Indigenous leaders from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) raised the Every Child Matters flag to fly permanently at City Hall. The City of Mississauga was the first large municipality in Canada to permanently raise the Every Child Matters flag.
• Endorsement of a policy focused on the Use of Indigenous Images/Themes in City Sports Facilities. The policy promotes a positive and inclusive experience at City sports facilities, while supporting a climate of understanding and mutual respect.
• Approval of the recommendations found in the City’s Annual Reconciliation Report and Land Acknowledgement Renewal, which included refreshing the City’s existing Indigenous Land Statement, which was formally adopted in 2017.
• Adoption of Resolution 0207-2020 to address systemic discrimination and inequities within Mississauga, including accessibility to resources, services and supports for Black and Indigenous residents.

Additional information can be found on the City’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage.

Tags

• Indigenous Relations