Orange Shirt Day: What’s Happening Where You Live?
As we learn about events happening in our communities for Orange Shirt Day/National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we will list them here. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day here.
Dryden
Kenora
On September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, The Muse will be closed from 10 am – 2:30 pm. City staff and members of Council will spend this time together participating in educational sessions to commemorate the day, providing an opportunity to listen and learn about the history of residential schools, honour the victims of the tragedies, and support the survivors.
Because of the importance of the day and to provide opportunity for people to view two significant exhibitions at both the Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglas Family Art Centre, both facilities will be open to the public on September 30th from 2:30 – 8:00 pm. Admission that day will be by donation.
On display at the Museum is Bakaan nake’ii ngii-izhi-gakinoo’amaagoomin | We were taught differently: The Indian residential school experience, an award-winning partnership exhibit, developed by the Museum with the NeChee Friendship Centre and the Lake of the Woods Ojibway Cultural Centre, in 2008. For the last 13 years, the exhibit has travelled across Canada to other museums, communities, universities and events. It examines the residential school experience with a particular focus on the two schools that were in Kenora – Cecilia Jeffrey and St. Mary’s – but within the broader national context.
On display at the Art Centre is Beads of Truth by Governor General Award winning Indigenous artist Ruth Cuthand. Her evocative works explore both historic and contemporary Indigenous issues, particularly related to health. Cuthand’s beaded representations of viruses, brain scans, and bacteria are a feast for the eyes!
Sioux Lookout
Thunder Bay
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Honouring our Children: Reconciliation Run in Support of Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation
Date & Location:
Friday, Sept. 30 – Boulevard Lake
Race Times:
8:30 am – Half Marathon Run
9:30 am – 10km Run
10 am – 5km Run & Walk
Entry Fees:
Half Marathon- $120
10km Run – $80
5km Run/Walk – $60
Every registered participant will receive a medal and t-shirt.
To register visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/237702894757
For more information, email events@dilico.com
9:30 – 10:30 am: Survivors Flag Raising Ceremony – Hillcrest Park / Host: City of Thunder Bay
The City of Thunder Bay will raise the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s official Residential School Survivors flag at Hillcrest Park to honour the survivors of the Indian Residential School system, and to acknowledge the thousands of children who never made it home.
The event will take place from 9:30- 10:30 am on Friday, Sept. 30, marking the second official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. It will be led by a member of the City’s Anishinaabe Elders Council.
Following the guidance of the City’s Anishinaabe Elders Council, we will fly this flag at half mast until the last of the children are found, however long that takes. The site of the flagpole at Hillcrest has a commanding view over the City and surrounding area. On most days, you can spot Anemki Wajiw (Thunder Mountain) and the Nanabijou (the Sleeping Giant), but more importantly an observer can look out over the four directions.
When the flag at Hillcrest Park is raised and to half mast, the flags at City Hall will be raised again to full staff. Out of respect, they have been flying at half mast since the discovery of the first unmarked graves just over one year ago. Flying the Survivors flag at half mast in this manner is an act that recognizes that the Indigenous community here, and across the nation, are still in mourning. Our goal is that it helps contribute, in some small way, to the healing which is needed. It is our hope that every child will one day be found, and then the flag will fly high as a symbol of strength, support, and the incredible resilience of Residential School Survivors.
Next year, the City will construct a sitting area at the location of the flagpole to host future events and to offer those who want it, a place to offer tobacco, hold ceremony, or sit in quiet reflection. Coming soon – concept drawing completed by landscape architects in the City’s Parks and Open Spaces office.
11 am – 12 noon: NAN Walk in Honour of Residential School Survivors and Families – NAN Offices, 200 Syndicate Ave S. / Host: Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Join NAN at their Syndicate Ave S offices for their annual walk. Walk with the group to Pope John Paul II School to listen to speeches about Resilience and Healing and join in a feast. Mental health supports will be available on site. View the poster. For more information, contact Felicia Sagutch at fsagutch@nan.ca or call (807) 625-4980.
1 pm: FWFN Fall Powwow – Anemki Wajiw – Thunder Mountain Powwow grounds / Host: Fort William First Nations
Fort William First Nation will be hosting their annual fall powwow on Anemki Wajiw. Grand Entry is at 1pm.
At this event, the Thunder Bay Museum in collaboration with the Legacy of Hope Foundation will be displaying the “Killing the Indian in the Child” travelling exhibit. Orange shirts will also be available.
A feast will be held at 5 pm and the second Grand Entry will take place at 7 pm.
Mental health supports will be available on-site.
View the event poster. For more information, contact Gail Bannon, Powwow Coordinator, gailrbannon@fwfn.com
1 pm: ONWA Events (teachings, exhibit, & clinic) – 380 Ray Blvd / Host: Ontario Native Women’s Association
ONWA will be hosting a series of land-based and fireside teachings, an exhibit from the Thunder Bay Museum on the history of St Joseph’s Residential School, and a vaccination clinic. All are welcome!
Know of an event your community? Send us the details at communications@tikinagan.org