Proclamation - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th, 2023)

Whereas each year, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an opportunity 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 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 clarion call that “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 as a first step, a commemorative bench was installed and painted orange in Fall 2022 to honour lost Indigenous children, provide a space for healing and reflection, and provide a permanent commemoration for the history and legacy of residential schools and the resilience of residential school survivors as a vital component of the reconciliation process; and

Whereas the Town of Arnprior is humbly engaged in a learning path through building relationships with local Indigenous Nations and organizations in order to better understand the history of Indigenous-settler relationships, the enduring impacts of colonization and how we can best serve Indigenous community members while working together on the path of reconciliation and decolonization; and

Whereas community members are invited to join us on our learning path to share in the understanding of generations impacted by residential schools, and

Whereas a Flag Raising Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, to raise awareness for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, 2023; and

Now Therefore I, Lisa McGee, Mayor, do hereby recognize September 30th, 2023, 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.

Lisa McGee, Mayor
Town of Arnprior