Mississauga marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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Published September 28, 2022 at 10:05 am

Ex-husband of former mayor Bonnie Crombie runs to succeed her in Mississauga

Mississauga will join the rest of Canada this Friday (Sept. 30) to mark the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The City of Mississauga will light the Civic Centre’s clock tower orange on Friday, a day City officials say is set aside to “honour survivors, their families and communities, and to commemorate and reflect on the tragic events and ongoing legacy of residential schools.”

They add that National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is also “an important time of education and remembrance to learn the truth about Canadian history and continue the journey towards reconciliation.”

To further acknowledge the day, City recreational facilities will run on holiday schedules on Friday and City offices will be closed.

“Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process,” City officials continue. “Mississauga has collaborated with Indigenous partners to host events and develop programs that highlight the voices and experiences of Indigenous Peoples.”
For those looking to “deepen their understanding” of the residential schools and the experiences of Indigenous communities, the City says various initiatives are planned across the city:
  • wear orange: Sept. 30 is Orange Shirt Day. People are also encouraged to share posts online using the hashtag #EveryChildMatters
  • watch the live streams at Celebration Square in Mississauga’s downtown core: on Sept. 29 at 10:30 a.m., the digital screens at the square will broadcast the inaugural We Are All Related youth activation event, hosted by The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. On Sept. 30, screens will highlight the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the City of Mississauga’s commitment to reconciliation
  • participate in a guided museum tour: Museums of Mississauga is hosting free truth and reconciliation tours at Bradley Museum at various times throughout the month and will be open to host additional tours on Sept. 30
  • take part in a gathering and healing ceremony and Indigenous artisan market: on Sept. 30, Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters will host an opening ceremony featuring dancing, drumming and smudging at the Small Arms Inspection Building in south Mississauga. On Oct. 1 and 2, the community can explore an Indigenous Artisan Market featuring one-of-a-kind works by local artisans and more
  • view the Indigenous art exhibition: from Sept. 30 to Oct. 12, Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters is hosting an art exhibition at the Small Arms Inspection Building
  • learn through Indigenous stories: Mississauga Library has a variety of eBooks and eAudiobooks available featuring Indigenous stories for adults and children
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