Recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Reflect, learn, and participate in activities in Oakville

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day provide Canadians with the opportunity to learn about and commemorate the survivors of residential schools, as well as the Indigenous children who never returned home. In Oakville, there are numerous ways to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and dive deeper into the rich and diverse culture of Indigenous peoples.

Events in Oakville

• Explore the Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project at the Oakville Museum during the month of September. This exhibition provides an opportunity to better understand the past and present Treaty relationships in what is now Oakville. This exhibit, a partnership between the Oakville Museum, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the Oakville Community Foundation, shares the history and culture of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation through community knowledge, archival documents, videos, and interactive components. Watch Understanding Indigenous History to learn about reconciliation, treaties and how to work together.
• Attend Walking Through the Fire, a free concert, on September 26 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Culture Centre, featuring Indigenous Artists with Sultans of String. Organized by the Oakville Public Library.
• Attend Mimi O'Bonsawin Truth & Reconciliation on Tuesday September 30 at 8 p.m. at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA). This contemporary roots singer-songwriter was born in NE Ontario, is mixed French Canadian and Abenaki, and a member of Odanak First Nation. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi's music embraces the beauty of the Land. At 6:30 p.m., before the show, Grandmother's Voice, Oakville Museum and Town of Oakville Culture will present Truth & Reconciliation information, songs, drumming and hands-on activities outside the OCPA in Centennial Square and in the OCPA lobby.
• Attend the unveiling of the “Living Monument” campaign with Grandmothers’ Voice at the Oakville Museum at 11 a.m. on October 3 to memorialize missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, including a garden naming in their honour. 

Other ways to reflect and learn in Oakville 

• Wear an orange shirt to raise awareness about the intergenerational impact and trauma residential schools have had on Indigenous communities and consider making a donation to the Orange Shirt Society to support their work in commemorating the residential school experience and fostering reconciliation.
• Enjoy a walk along the Moccasin Trails and explore the history of the lands from an Indigenous perspective. Follow the Moccasin Trails signs along Bronte Creek Heritage Trail beginning at Rebecca Street and Mississaga Street, and along Sixteen Mile Creek Inner Valley to Dundas Street West at Lions Valley.
• Visit Tannery Park and explore the First Nations history wall and Moccasin Identifier, built to promote public awareness of significant cultural historic sites and the ancestral presence of First Nations, Métis and Indigenous communities.
• Explore the Oakville Public Library’s Truth and Reconciliation page for book recommendations and more information.

Oakville, as we know it today, is rich in the history and modern traditions of many First Nations and the Métis. From the lands of the Anishinaabe to the Attawandaron, the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in Indigenous history. We acknowledge and thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation for being stewards of this territory.

In addition to the activities being offered by the Town, the 'Every Child Matters' orange flag will be flown at Town Hall starting September 29 and lowered to half-mast on September 30. The lights at Town Hall will be lit orange on September 29 and 30, and during the week of September 22 until the 30 at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.

For more information, visit the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation page. 

Quote

“As National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, I encourage all residents to take time to reflect on and learn about the long lasting impacts of the residential school system on Canada’s Indigenous peoples. This day serves as a reminder of the trauma and oppression faced by generations and the continued need for healing and understanding. Oakville is committed to taking concrete action to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Through reflection and learning, we will create a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels respected and valued.” 

– Mayor Rob Burton