By Cecilia Nasmith

The Municipality of Port Hope has announced observances planned for the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Friday.

The day begins with the raising of the Every Child Matters flag at Town Hall, where it will fly Oct. 3.

As well, staff and council will participate in a special event with the Dibaajimowin Cultural Centre in Memorial Park that is free to attend, a sharing of Indigenous culture through stories, dance, ceremony and a sacred fire. Please note that Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services has granted special permission for the fire to take place in Memorial Park.

And in advance of the day, on Sept. 28, younger residents are invited to Port Hope Public Library, which is hosting the EarlyON Northumberland Indigenous team for a drumming circle and a reading of Phyllis Webstad's Phyllis's Orange Shirt at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.

Additional commemorative activities and initiatives that are taking place within the municipality can be found on their website, with information on other events taking place throughout the county to be found at https://calendar.northumberland.ca/default/Detail/2022-09-30-0000-National-Day-for-Truth-and-Reconciliation-Orange-S

“This week, we pause and reflect on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation, the calls to action brought forth by the Commission, and the historical circumstances that brought about this important National Day of Recognition and Remembrance,” Mayor Bob Sanderson said in the announcement.

“Establishing a day of observance helps to ensure that public commemoration of First Nations, Inuit and Metis history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established formally as a Federal holiday in Canada in 2021 to honour the lost children and survivors of Canada's Indian Residential School System, along with their families and communities.
The municipality reminds everyone that some facilities and services will be closed Friday in observance of the day. Staff have been provided resources, and are encouraged to spend time reflecting on and learning about Indigenous culture, heritage and history, including the Indian Residential School System in Canada.