The City of Brantford will join communities across Canada to recognize and observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
The statutory holiday was created to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis survivors, their families and communities, and to provide an important opportunity for Canadians to remember the victims of the Indian Residential School System and to reflect on the painful lasting impacts on Residential School survivors, their families and Indigenous communities.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a former residential school student who had her orange shirt taken away on her first day at residential school. Wearing orange on September 30 honours and remembers the experiences and loss of Indigenous children who were placed in residential schools.
Local events in observance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day
Brantford has partnered with multiple Indigenous organizations to facilitate a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation event at Mohawk Park on Saturday, September 30 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature Indigenous dance, singing, drumming, craft vendors, food, and information booths. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. All are welcome. To learn more, visit Brantford Native Housing on Facebook.
To learn more about National Truth and Reconciliation Day, please visit Brantford.ca/NDTR.
