Northumberland County announces its Sept. 30 commemorations
By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland County has visibly shown its support for Thursday's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
In the run-up to Sept. 30, which county council two weeks ago declared as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Northumberland County, the orange Every Child Matters flag will fly on the community flagpole at county headquarters (555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg). As well, look for the building to be lit up in orange lights on Thursday evening.
The Federal government has designated September 30 as an annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in response to Call-to-Action 80 in the final report of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission – which calls upon the Federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish a statutory holiday to honour residential-school survivors as well as their families and communities.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation builds upon the Orange Shirt Day movement, a day where Canadians wear orange to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacy of the residential-school system in Canada. It was a gesture made at the September county council meeting, when many of the councillors wore their orange shirts.
This observance grew out of the story of one survivor, Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school.
“Establishing a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ensures public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of Canada’s reconciliation process with Indigenous Peoples,” county Warden Bob Crate said in the press release.
“This is a solemn day of reflection about the children, families and communities who were so dramatically affected by the policies and practices of the residential-school system, and the impacts that continue to be felt today. As we mark this first day of commemoration, Northumberland County remains committed to taking meaningful action toward reconciliation and deepening our knowledge of this history, and the history and contributions of the traditional keepers of this land.”
