Statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2024
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, formerly known as “Orange Shirt Day”. This day was officially enacted by Parliament in 2021, to further encourage Canadians to understand the enduring legacy of Canada’s residential school system and consider the important work of Indigenous Reconciliation.
On this day, it is important to learn and reflect on the inter-generational impacts of residential schools felt in Indigenous families and communities. We must remember the thousands of children who lost their lives in residential schools and the survivors who live with the trauma that can never be undone. We all have an opportunity and responsibility to learn more about this terrible part of our nation’s history and commit ourselves to meaningful action.
Actions may include learning about Indigenous peoples’ relationship with the land; reading Indigenous literature; supporting Indigenous artists; having meaningful conversations with family, friends and colleagues; and committing to personal change and allyship.
The City acknowledged National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by lighting Carl Zehr Square in orange, flying the Survivors’ Flag at City Hall, and providing City staff with resources to help facilitate learning, reflection and action.
The City of Kitchener’s vision is one of building a city for everyone where, together, we take care of the world around us – and each other. In 2019, we committed ourselves to responding to Call to Action #57 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which began with the launch of intercultural competency training focusing on history, treaties, legislation and impact on First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. In addition to staff training, we have launched programming around days of significance, such as the development of learning toolkits and resources for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We have also grown the size of the RISE Fund that is supporting Indigenous communities, amongst others. The fund is a community grant that provides support for Black, Indigenous and racialized community-led organizations, programs, initiatives or events meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for those same communities in Kitchener.
The City of Kitchener strives to make meaningful efforts towards reconciliation.
It is slow and intentional work that involves creating space for Indigenous perspectives and values, while also altering the ways we have historically operated. Recent projects that highlight Kitchener’s commitment to reconciliation and relationship-building include:
• Working with SpruceLab Inc., an Indigenous and woman-owned firm, to assist the City with facilitating dialogue with First Nations partners and local Indigenous community members as part of Kitchener 2051, our new Official Plan.
• Through our Forest School program, we have hired an Anishnaabe knowledge keeper and have partnered with local Indigenous organizations to create and lead programs specifically for Indigenous children and youth.
• Working collaboratively with White Owl Native Ancestry Association, Wisahkotewinoak Urban Indigenous Garden Collective, and Conestoga College on the Wiijindamaan Indigenous Land Restoration project which aims to restore the Pioneer Tower Natural Area.
These projects represent opportunities for staff learning/unlearning and growth that will help inform our perspectives and our work moving forward.
We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go toward reconciliation and eliminating discrimination against Indigenous people.
I urge all Kitchener residents to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We need to reflect on the tragic facts of the Residential School system and acknowledge their presence in contemporary history. Each of us can do our part by committing to learning more, attending a local event, supporting an Indigenous business or artist or donating to a local Indigenous organization.
Through our learning, reflection and action, together we will build a caring city for all.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic on
behalf of Kitchener City Council