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September 29, 2022
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On the eve of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I’d like to encourage residents to reflect, acknowledge and play an active role in the reconciliation process. We can all take steps to understand colonization, the effects of residential schools and honour the survivors, their families and communities who carry the weight of inter-generational trauma.
Earlier this month, Mississippi Mills Council once again supported flying the Every Child Matters Flag at municipal facilities for the month of September. To recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the flags at all municipal buildings will be lowered tomorrow. The falls in Almonte glow with orange lights this week in commemoration. On what’s also known as Orange Shirt Day, we will wear orange to remember the children who never came home from Residential Schools.
To honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, recognize their resilience and affirm our commitment to reconciliation, a community vigil is taking place tomorrow evening beginning at 7:00pm in front of the Almonte Old Town Hall. I’d like to thank Mississippi Mills All My Relations for their leadership in facilitating the vigil. There will also be children’s activities starting at 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Municipality is committed to keeping the conversation going beyond September 30th by working to better understand our municipal responsibilities for reconciliation. This includes responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, ensuring we proactively and meaningfully engage with Indigenous First Nations, create ongoing learning opportunities for staff and Council, and help tell a complete history of this land.
Part of making change is committing to being uncomfortable, to learning and challenging what we think we know. We all have a responsibility to work towards healing. In closing, I’d like to share some examples of meaningful actions individuals can take:
- Read a book by an Indigenous author; support Indigenous artists and musicians
- Take a course to learn more about the rich history of Indigenous Peoples
- Watch a documentary or movie by an Indigenous filmmaker
- Donate to or volunteer with an Indigenous organization
- Shop at an Indigenous business; attend a cultural event
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action www.irsss.ca/downloads/trc-calls-to-action.pdf
Remember, there is a National Crisis Line available to provide support to former residential school students and those affected. Emotional and crisis referral services are available by calling 1-866-925-4419.
Sincerely,
Mayor Christa Lowry
Municipality of Mississippi Mills
