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, remember, honour and support the survivors of residential schools and their families, as well as the Indigenous children who never returned home. In Oakville, there are numerous ways to come together to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and dive deeper into the rich and diverse culture of Indigenous peoples. 

Events in Oakville

• Explore Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project at the Oakville Museum during the month of September. This exhibition provides an opportunity to better understand 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.
• Spend time in the museum’s Indigenous interpretive space, where contemporary voices, art, and reflection connect visitors with local Indigenous history and perspectives. Watch videos stories featuring Indigenous knowledge keepers, explore artwork from local Indigenous artist Marvin Terry, and take in the symbolic red dresses before continuing outdoors to the museum gardens. In the gardens, visit the living monument honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse people, created in collaboration with Grandmothers’ Voice. 
• Attend a performance by Veronica Johnny and the Johnnys on Tuesday, September 30 at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA) at 7 p.m. The Ontario-based rock and roll band will deliver a high-energy, humour-filled live show. Veronica’s Cree heritage is reflected in the band’s lyrics, which explore themes of the environment, social justice, and political change.
• Before the performance, starting at 6:30 p.m., the Oakville Museum and the Town of Oakville’s Culture team will offer Truth and Reconciliation learning opportunities and hands on activities. The teams will be in Centennial Square and the OCPA lobby. All activities have been developed with support from Grandmother’s voice, who will also be on site. 

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 Mississauga 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, and check out the OPL's Indigenous Knowledge Guide to support your learning and reflection.

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.

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

Quote

"Council and I are committed to building a vibrant, inclusive community and through reflection and learning, we can continue to create a place where everyone feels respected and valued.”

– Mayor Rob Burton