September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. It also calls on Canadians to remember the history of Residential Schools, and the ongoing impacts of its legacy on Indigenous Peoples.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day.
Hands will be open on Friday, September 30, 2022. Employees will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by engaging in learning, dialogue and personal reflection. We encourage others to join us in learning more about the impact residential schools, and the role we all play on the path to healing.
Here are some local events and learning opportunities to help guide your journey:
Local Events
- Parry Sound:
- Speaking in Truth: September 30 at 10:30 am, hosted by the Parry Sound Friendship Centre and the Town of Parry Sound
- Truth, Respect, the Journey to Reconciliation: September 30 at 1 pm, hosted by West Parry Sound Health Centre, Four White Cedars site
- Walk for Healing: September 30 from 5 pm to 8 pm at 70 Isabella Street
Muskoka:
- Orange Shirt Day March and Gathering: September 30 at 1 pm at High Street parking lot, ceremony starts at 1:30 pm at the River Mill Park.
- Section 53 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Live Music: Friday, September 30 – Bracebridge Library
- Flag Raising: Friday, September 30 at 10:00 am at the Bracebridge Municipal Office
North Bay:
- A Day of Learning and Support: 10 am to 3 pm at 980 Cassells Street, hosted by the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
- Flag raising: September 29 at 2 pm at Leger Square outside North Bay City Hall
Timmins:
- Orange Shirt Day Event: 11 am to 1 pm at the Timmins Native Friendship Centre
Learning Opportunities
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
- Truth and Reconciliation Week Video Education Series: Grades 1-5
- OrangeShirtDay.org: Learn more about the origins of Orange Shirt Day
- Legacy of Hope Foundation
- National Film Board of Canada: A selection of films by Indigenous filmmakers and allies about the tragic impact of residential schools in Canada
Support
- The Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience - The 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line for Children and Youth: 1-844-287-9072
Available to all children, youth and families in Muskoka, Nipissing and Parry Sound