Town of The Blue Mountains Recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Press Releases

The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise members of the public that Thursday, September 30, 2021 will mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Town will lower the flags to half-mast and will fly the Every Child Matters flag to recognize and remember victims and survivors of Residential Schools across Canada.

“The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation marks an important step in the country’s reconciliation process,” says Mayor Alar Soever. “Today provides the opportunity to learn more and deepen our understanding of Canada’s history, the legacy of the Residential School System, and the diverse cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples.”

The Town also invites the community to wear orange in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and to visit and pay their respect at the dedicated memorial located at the area West of Town Hall near the Riverwalk platform. Members of the public are encouraged to place orange ribbons, shoes, letters, or other notable items at the dedicated memorial site to honour the lives lost to the Residential School System.

Items placed at the memorial site will be donated to the Beaver Valley Outreach next week to give residents the opportunity to visit and reflect over the course of the weekend.

The Blue Mountains Public Library has also created a take-home kit that are available for pick-up at the L.E. Shore Library and the Craigleith Depot. The kits include a Calls to Action booklet, a book list featuring Indigenous authors, and a sticker from an Indigenous artist. For more information, please visit: https://www.thebluemountainslibrary.ca/

For more information and educational resources on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please visit the following:

The Town of The Blue Mountains is located within the boundary of Treaty 18 region of 1818 which is the traditional land of the Anishnaabek, Haudenosaunee and Wendat-Wyandot-Wyandotte peoples. The Town honours and acknowledges the First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples of Canada as traditional stewards of this land.

Support Services Available

  • The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: This national crisis line is available 24-hours a day to provide support for former students and those affected. Access support and crisis referral services by calling 1-866-925-4419. 
  • Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS): The IRSSS can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066.

For more information, please contact: 

Shawn Everitt
Chief Administrative Officer
(519) 599-3131 ext. 234