North Bay, ON – Sept. 24, 2021 – The City of North Bay will observe the upcoming first annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
To commemorate the day, the City will hold a ceremony involving local dignitaries, including Indigenous and Metis representatives. City Hall will be lit up orange as part of the ceremony.
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for all of us to recognize and raise awareness about the legacy of residential schools in Canada,” said Mayor Al McDonald. “As a City, we are encouraging residents to use this day to reflect on our past and to learn more about resident schools and the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples.”
The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m, The event will be live-streamed on the City’s website and social media channels. Additionally, an Every Child Matters flag will be raised on Sept. 29 at Leger Square.
The federal government passed legislation in June that designated Sept. 30 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to recognize the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. This federal statutory holiday was created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
The City will respect National Truth and Reconciliation Day as a statutory holiday, which means City Hall and other administrative offices and facilities will be closed. Transit will follow its regular schedule and garbage and recycling collection will occur.
There are many ways to reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to learn about the impacts of the residential school system in Canada. Whether attending a community event or marking the day in your own way, residents are encouraged you to wear an orange shirt on this day to help spread awareness.
For more information and additional resources related to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please visit https://www.northbay.ca/TruthandReconcilation.