While September 30th is the actual day to recognize and acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the week leading up to September 30th is marked by a week of events to bring awareness by community organizations throughout the Heart of Georgian Bay. It is about demonstrating our willingness to learn, and our desire to commemorate a day that marks a time in Canadian history that needs to be remembered. It is a time to illustrate the resiliency of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
Everyone is welcome to attend one or more of the events listed here. You are encouraged to wear orange and skirts are encouraged where ceremonies are part of the commemorative events taking place.
Here are some of the FREE things you can do to learn and acknowledge the day/week:
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is offering a week of Daily Lunch and Learns on-line. You can learn from sessions that talk about “Indigenous Peoples and the History of residential schools”, “Unconscious bias and debunking stereotypes”, Intergenerational impacts and ongoing systemic discrimination”, Indigenous Peoples’ rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”, and “Taking action towards Reconciliation”. Each session is 50-minutes long and FREE, but you must pre-register on their website at this link
Sainte-Marie-among-the-Hurons, through Huronia Historical Parks will be partnering with the Midland Public Library to offer a Free Film Screening of “Indian Horse” on September 25, 2023, as well as a day of reflection, and another film screening of “The Nature of Healing” on September 30th, also a free event. Check out their website for more information here.
The Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre is inviting the community to acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event taking place on Friday September 29th with Traditional Drummers and Dancers You must pre-register as the day provides a complimentary lunch. Contact Karly at 705-526-5589, ext. 221 to register, or if you have any questions, please contact Bronson at 705-526-5589, ext. 222. Wear your skirt.
The Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre is also hosting a private screening of “Indian Horse” on September 21, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Contact Meagan at 705-526-5589 ext. 242 or email isr@gbnfc.com. A lunch and snack will be provided. Please pre-register.
The Midland Cultural Centre is hosting a screening of “Birth of a Family” in partnership with the United Way of Simcoe Muskoka. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Sixties Scoop Survivors, and the Working Together-Wijinokiwag Program Facilitator on how to create a better future together. Go to the MCC events site to get more information and to get your “free” tickets for this event.
Beausoleil First Nation/Chimnissing will be acknowledging National Truth and Reconciliation Day with a few events taking place on Christian Island. There will be a Monument “Ground Breaking Ceremony” on September 30th at 11:00 a.m. Starting at 3:00 p.m. will be a Pipe Ceremony, traditional singers and dancers and Round Dance followed by a feast. Contact Star Cherie Jamieson at trcc@chimnissing.ca for more information. Be sure to check out the ferry schedule service to ensure you get to your events on time. Wear your skirt.
The Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association is inviting the community to “Every Child Matters Walk” taking place on September 30th. Attendees will meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Huronia Museum at 549 Little Lake Park Drive in Midland and walk through the Little Lake Park Path. It’s an opportunity to come together to create awareness for all Indigenous Peoples affected by the residential school system, and the everlasting effects that have ripped through, and continue to impact Indigenous communities to this day. Wear your skirt.
Chigamik Community Health Centre, Midland Community Health Hub is inviting the community to attend 287 Bayshore Drive in Midland starting with an Opening Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. on September 30. It will be a celebration of Indigenous culture through music, art, and dance. See the website for more information or contact Cassandra Forget at 705-527-4154, ext. 7247.
Also, check with your local municipalities as there will also be flag-raising/lowering ceremonies to commemorate this occasion at Town Halls across the Heart of Georgian Bay.
On behalf of our community organizations taking the time and effort to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, thank you for your support. We hope you can attend one of the many opportunities available to the community during the week of September 25-30, 2023.
Let us remember the children that never made it home, the survivors who came home and had to recover their identity, learn their language and culture, and the generations to come that will have the strength to face this together with because you are helping to create awareness through your willingness to learn and understand.
Thank you/Merci/Miigwetch/Marsii.