Wednesday marks an important day for reflection and remembrance, all as a list of events is on the go across Waterloo Region to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The holiday stems from Orange Shirt Day, which was kicked off in British Columbia back in 2013, with the now-federal statutory holiday marking its 6th official year across the country.
It was made an official holiday back in 2021, meant as a day to reflect on the impacts of the residential school system on the country’s Indigenous communities, with public commemorations now being marked each year on Sept. 30.
In Waterloo Region, residents are marking the day with a list of different events and ceremonies, including:
Healing of the Seven Generations Remember Me Walk
The annual walk, now in its 6th year, will head across Downtown Kitchener, meant as an opportunity to “spread awareness and reflect on the tragedies from residential schools, experienced by Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.”
The walk begins at 10 a.m. at 300 Frederick St. in Kitchener, set to wrap up at Victoria Park.
The event will also feature Grand River Transit unveiling its latest bus wrap to mark the holiday, designed by local artist Kevin George.
University of Waterloo Events
The local institution will be hosting a list of different functions to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, beginning with a sunrise ceremony at the B.C. Matthews Hall Green.
That is set to be followed by a community polish ceremony at 10 a.m., alongside remarks and a Ring Road walk.
The ceremonies will wrap up with drumming and a Round Dance at 12 p.m.
Local Public Libraries
The Kitchener Public Library and the Waterloo Public Library have each developed a list of resources and programs to mark the holiday, including an Elder’s Circle and Indigenous cooking programs, alongside curated reading lists.
First Nation Public Library Week will also run next week, from Oct. 5-9, working to highlight the 37 public libraries in First Nation communities across Ontario.
Comments