Tomorrow will mark Canada’s first National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
September 30 will be marked as a federal statutory holiday after being named as one of the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The day has previously been marked by Orange Shirt Day, which honors victims and survivors of residential schools, but is declared a holiday for the first time this year.
Last Thursday, the City of Kingston sent out a press release stating its participation in the holiday, the services that will be affected, and the recommended ways to view the occasion with respect.
“September 30 is a day to recognize and make room for the deep work we must undertake as a community regarding the painful history and continuing legacy of residential schools and its traumatic effect on generations of indigenous peoples,” said the Mayor. Paterson in the statement. .
Indigenous advocates have asked people to approach the day as they would Remembrance Day.
Non-indigenous community members can show their support by wearing orange t-shirts in solidarity, hearing the stories of survivors from residential schools, and donating to indigenous-led causes.
Locally, there will be some in-person events open to the public.
Tomorrow at Confederation Park there will be a vigil and sacred fire burning from sunrise to sunset.
This afternoon, Keywaywin Circle kicked off several days of events to honor National Truth and Reconciliation Day, beginning with grass dancers.
Tomorrow, Keywaywin Circle and One Roof, in partnership with Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Children’s and Family Services, will host a sunrise ceremony to light a Sacred Fire that will burn until sunset on October 3.
Indigenous-led and focused activities will also take place at the Child and Family Services Offices over the next four days.
Kingston will see some services affected by the holiday as the administration offices, PumpHouse and the Grand Theater box office close their doors.
Garbage collection, public transportation, and other city services will operate normally.
Those who wish to learn more about the holidays and indigenous issues can find links to do so. here.
Reference-ygknews.ca