National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year on September 30^th we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day for all Canadians to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

On Monday, September 30^th, the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre will not be running programs or rentals so Staff and Volunteers can learn and reflect. (Please note the west entrance will be open to clients of Belleville Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Clinic and The Therapeutic Massage Centre from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). For a full list of City of Belleville wide changes to service, please visit the City website.

Flags at City Hall will be lowered to half-staff and the City’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee will be hosting a special Truth & Reconciliation Event from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Market Square. 

Attached below are links that provide additional resources for educational and support purposes;

• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.
• Read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
• Explore the Legacy of Hope Foundation‘s online exhibitions and educational resources about the history and effects of the residential school system, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing experiences Indigenous Peoples continue to face.
• Learn about residential schools and take a tour of former sites, such as those offered by the Woodland Cultural Centre.
• Learn about Mohawk Village Memorial Park to honour the children who attended the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School, which operated from 1834 to 1970.
• We are all treaty people. Learn how you can honour treaties – visit ontario.ca/page/treaties and native-land.ca
• Learn about the significance of land acknowledgements and learn the one in your area.
• Read the UNESCO’s proclamation of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022 to 2032).
• Access the Indigenous Resource Guide curated by NSCC Libraries.
• Watch short films – Reflections with Alex Lazarowich discusses missing and murdered Indigenous women and the impact of environmental disasters affecting natural resources for Indigenous people across Canada; Acknowledgment (A short film by Jonathan Elliott, 2020) and Reflections with Jonathan Elliott outline evolving land acknowledgments.

• Wear orange on Sept. 30 for Orange Shirt Day, established by the Orange Shirt Society in 2013 to honour “Phyllis’s story”.
• Buy an orange shirt from an Indigenous artist or company that supports Indigenous causes or directly through the Orange Shirt Society.

• Read books – explore Belleville Public Library’s curated National Day for Truth and Reconciliation reading list.

• Watch films and documentaries that reflect on the residential school experience – the National Film Board of Canada offers a rich collection of Indigenous-made films.

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation may be difficult, as many continue to reflect, heal, and confront traumas. If you require support, the following resources are available:

• Crisis Services Canada,1-833-456-4566 or text 45645.
• Hope For Wellness Helpline for Indigenous peoples, 1-855-242-3310.
• Native Youth Crisis Line,1-877-209-1266.
• Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides emotional and crisis referral services at a 24-hour line, 1-866-925-4419.
• Talk4Healing, 1-855-554-HEAL, a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario.

Learn more on the City of Belleville website.