From the Office of the Mayor – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30, 2025

September 25, 2025

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30, we pause to honour the survivors of the residential school system, their families and the children who never returned home. The legacy of these institutions continues to cause deep harm, and it is our shared responsibility to acknowledge this truth and commit to meaningful action to heal generations of hurt.

Reconciliation is not limited to one day – it is a continuous journey. Mississippi Mills remains committed to fostering understanding, healing and respect throughout the year.

To support this commitment, the Municipality has launched a dedicated Truth and Reconciliation page on our website. It outlines our path forward, shares resources and calls to action, highlights local organizations and includes our annually renewed Land Acknowledgement Statement. We’ve also introduced an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion section to showcase engagement strategies and tools for learning.

In June, we celebrated National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day with Celebrating Solstice Together – a full day of storytelling, food, art, and music hosted by Mississippi Mills All My Relations, Ginawaydaganuc Village, and the Municipality. We appreciate the leadership of organizations like Mississippi Mills All My Relations and The Inclusion Project in building inclusivity and restoring relationships that have been broken.

This important work continues in our community with Reconciliation Through Art from September 28–30, featuring film screenings, Indigenous music, a Water Walk, art showcases, teachings, and more. Learn more at www.reconciliationthroughart.ca.

On September 30 at 7 p.m., youth from Almonte United Church and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, in partnership with the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, will host a Truth and Reconciliation Candlelight Vigil at Riverfront Park – an event that has been held every year since 2021. Supported by Mississippi Mills All My Relations and the Municipality, all are warmly welcome to join in for this time of reflection and community connection.

Reconciliation is a path we walk together. On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us each consider how we can contribute every day to learning, understanding, and healing.

Sincerely,

Mayor Christa Lowry
Municipality of Mississippi Mills