National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Whereas the Federal Government announced September 30th, 2021, as the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process; and

Whereas each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; and

Whereas this day builds on Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations; and

Whereas to publicly commemorate this history and legacy of residential schools and the resilience of residential school survivors, a bench located at the Town Hall will be painted orange to honour lost indigenous children, and provide a space for healing and reflection, and provide a permanent commemoration being a vital component of the reconciliation process; and

Whereas a Flag Raising Ceremony will be held on Monday, September 26, 2022, to raise awareness for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2022; and

Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Walter Stack, Mayor of the Town of Arnprior hereby recognize September 30th, 2022, as National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) in the Town of Arnprior and encourage all Members of Council, staff and residents wear orange as a sign of respect and to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.