Municipalities around North Simcoe will be offering various services for the public as well as their staff on Monday, September 30, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home, residential school survivors as well as their families and communities.
MIDLAND
Town offices will remain open at 575 Dominion Avenue, with the public invited to attend a flag-lowering ceremony at 9 a.m. on the steps of the municipal building; flags at other town buildings will also be lowered to half-mast on the day.
“The Town of Midland recognizes the critical role and vital impact of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada,” said CAO Rhonda Bunn.
“In addition, the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene have invited their staff and councils to gather later in the day for a smudging ceremony led by an Indigenous community member,” added Bunn. “This ceremony dedicates time for our staff and councils to honour the core principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which focus on healing and closure for the many survivors and their families, fostering trust and promoting education and awareness."
PENETANGUISHENE
Municipal offices at 10 Robert Street West will be operating as usual, according to CAO Jeff Lees, while town staff recognize the day as an opportunity for reflection and dialogue.
In addition to the joint smudging with Midland, Lees said: “our staff joined together this past Wednesday for a Truth and Reconciliation walking tour at Rotary Champlain Wendat Park.
"Additionally, our staff have the option to attend an educational presentation surrounding the history of Truth and Reconciliation and about raising awareness regarding the tragic history presented by the Woodland Cultural Centre. These initiatives aim to educate staff on the history and policies that lead to the creation of the residential schools, their legacies, and why truth and reconciliation is important.”
Lees offered various events in the community:
* Sainte-Marie among the Hurons offers free online programs until October 2. This program offers an opportunity to learn from Indigenous speakers in the spirit of education and awareness, about the pathway to Truth and Reconciliation. All videos will be available on demand October 1 to 4 so that you can delve deeper at your own pace. Visit their website for additional information.
* On September 30th at 6:00pm, the Georgian Bay Native Women's Association is holding a community walk to bring awareness to the everlasting effects of the Indian Residential School system. A tobacco offering to pay respects to those who attended, their families and communities and to honour those children who did not return home. If you wish to attend, meet at the start of the walking path in the parking lot of the Curling Club in Penetanguishene.
TAY TOWNSHIP
On September 30, the township offices at 450 Park Street in Victoria Harbour will remain open, with a flag-raising ceremony at 9 a.m.
“The public is invited to join council and staff,” said communications and technology services manager Elizabeth Smith, “as we come together to honour the memory of those affected by the residential school system, learn about its lasting impacts, and reflect on how we can move forward as a community. In recognition of this day, we also encourage staff to wear orange to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools and to honour the thousands of survivors.”
Residents planning on attending the event are encouraged to wear orange to commemorate the devastating, continued impact of the residential school system, to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
TINY TOWNSHIP
The municipal office will be closed Monday to allow administrative staff an opportunity to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Any Township of Tiny closures follow the Personnel Policy Manual, approved by Council in 2006, which includes federal holidays,” said CAO Robert Lamb. “This policy provides staff the opportunity to take part in a variety of culturally significant days such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation where staff can attend local community events or self reflect, contemplate, and learn about the importance of truth and reconciliation.”
For after-hours emergencies for roads, water and bylaw, the township encourages residents to call (705) 526-4204.
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