Mark the 6th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at an event in Clarington or Durham Region

The Municipality of Clarington is situated within the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas and Chippewas of the Anishinabeg, known today as the Williams Treaties First Nations.

September 30 marks the 6th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), also recognized as Orange Shirt Day. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing the truths of our past, as well as working towards reconciliation. NDTR honours both the Survivors and the intergenerational Survivors of the Indian Residential School system, while also remembering the children who never returned home.

Clarington has an ongoing commitment to reflect on the detrimental legacies of the residential school system, deepen our learning journeys and participate in intentional conversations on truth and reconciliation.

Clarington’s Orange Ribbon Reflection Space 🧡

September 18 to October 15 | Outside Courtice Community Complex
Residents are invited to tie an orange ribbon on a temporary orange fence located at the Courtice Community Complex to honour Survivors of the residential school system and remember the children who never returned home. The installation will remain for one month as a space for reflection and an opportunity to foster intentional conversations on truth and reconciliation amongst our community.

Clarington’s Library, Museums and Archives Events 🧡

Film Screening: Siksikakowan the Blackfoot Man:
September 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Courtice Library
September 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Bowmanville Library

• Sons, fathers, brothers, riders, racers, dancers, dreamers… Sinakson Trevor Solway introduces us to the many lives, identities and stories of the boys and men of the historic Blackfoot Confederacy. Watch the trailer.

Author Visit: Monique Gray Smith: 
September 28 from 7 to 8 p.m. online via Zoom

• Bestselling author Monique Gray Smith will discuss her personal journey of truth and reconciliation and read from her various books. She will explore Canada’s historical treatment of Indigenous people and how it impacts them today, and will share her Cultural Resilience model and strategies for weaving aspects into our work. Presented in partnership with Durham and York Region Libraries.
• Registration is required. Register online now. 

Orange Shirt Day 🧡

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On September 30, all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.

Support local: Consider ordering an orange shirt from Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, designed by Indigenous artist Brooklyn Lewis. Proceeds support Bawaajigewin’s cultural programming for the urban Indigenous community in Durham Region.

Learn more: Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school. Watch Phyllis’ story on Orange Shirt Day.

Community Participation Opportunities on September 30 🧡

As we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we invite community members to take the time to pause, learn, reflect, and honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples and residential school Survivors. While municipal offices and facilities will be closed, we encourage everyone to consider how they can engage in meaningful acts of learning and recognition. Below are opportunities to support learning, remembrance, and reconciliation across our community.

2nd Annual Orange Shirt Day Mini Powwow:
September 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Durham College: The First People’s Indigenous Centre

• Join Durham College in honouring Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a heartfelt Mini Powwow that celebrates Indigenous culture, resilience, and community. This gathering is a space for reflection, healing, and unity as we remember the children impacted by residential schools and recognize the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
• Experience the power of traditional drumming, dancing, and storytelling, and connect with local members of the Indigenous community beyond Durham College. Everyone is welcome!
• This event will be held outdoors in the Naanaagide’endamowin (Art of Thinking) Courtyard, adjacent to the CFCE building. In the event of rain, the rain location will be announced.

Truth and Reconciliation Day Tours:
September 30 from 12 to 4 p.m. at The Oshawa Museum (1450 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa)

• Miijim: Traditional Foods of the Lake of the Woods Anishinaabeg Exhibit will be on display. Visit and learn more about the Indigenous foods of the Anishinaabeg. The exhibit was collaboratively designed by Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation, The Natural Resources Institute of the University of Manitoba, and The Lake of the Woods Museum.
• Participate in the Moccasin Identifier Project by painting a moccasin stencil.
• Visit A Carrying Place and learn more about the Indigenous history of this area.

Indigenous Drum Circle:
September 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 115 Grassmere Avenue, Oshawa

• Everyone is welcome to the Indigenous Drum Circle! Come sing and drum, let your hands speak your truth! Let's come together to remember who we are! We do not drum for silence, we drum for strength, for courage, for unity, we drum for those who came before us.
• Together our sound becomes a storm, together we rise, together we shake loose our fear and call back our power! Together we heal.
• Chi – miigwech (Much thanks to community member Zaiden for these powerful words).
• To register for this event, please email Mary Sue at mrobinet@durhamchc.ca or call 905-723-0036 ext. 1096.

Ajax National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event:
September 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rotary Park (177 Lake Driveway West, Ajax)

• The Town of Ajax invites the community to gather in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home and reflect on our shared responsibility to advance reconciliation.
• This year, the Town will gather with the community to ceremonially mark the naming of Zhaagawaamikong Aazhokigan and unveil its commemorative sign, featuring original artwork by Anishinaabe artist Sharifah Marsden. The naming recognizes the longstanding and continuing presence of Indigenous Peoples and their relationships with the Lands, Waters and Air of this place.
• What to expect:
  • Ceremonial unveiling of the new Zhaagawaamikong Aazhokigan sign and original artwork.
  • Drumming and singing by Ashayung from Georgina Island First Nation.
  • Candlelight vigil led by Indigenous Healer Grey Cloud (James Carpenter) to honour Survivors, families and Indigenous communities impacted by colonization and the Canadian residential school system.
• We are encouraging the community to wear orange in honour of Phyllis Webstad’s story and the Every Child Matters Movement.
• Please note: Seating is limited and will be prioritized for attendees with limited mobility. All other attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair if needed.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Calls to Action 🧡

There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996. Survivors advocated for recognition and reparations and demanded accountability for the intergenerational impacts of harm caused. Their efforts culminated in:

• The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
• Apologies by the federal government
• The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• The creation of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which ran from 2008 to 2015, provided an opportunity for those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the residential schools policy to share their stories and experiences. The Commission released its final report detailing 94 calls to action. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration.

Learn more about Indigenous supports and resources.

24-Hour National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419