Saturday, September 30, 2023, marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
The holiday came into effect in 2021 to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action number 80 by creating a holiday which seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, and their families and communities.
Throughout September, Mississauga joins the rest of Canada to commemorate the history and continuing impacts of this tragedy in our journey for reconciliation. It is a time of education, reflection and remembrance.
Orange Shirt Day
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day.
Created in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, Orange Shirt Day is a time for all Canadians to reflect on the impact of residential schools on Indigenous Communities, honour survivors, and continue learning as we work toward reconciliation.
Wear an orange shirt on September 30 and be a part of the national conversation using the hashtag #EveryChildMatters.
Learn, reflect and engage at Mississauga Celebration Square
On Saturday, September 30, the digital screens at Mississauga Celebration Square will display messages of encouragement for visitors to learn, reflect and engage in reconciliation. A series highlighting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the City of Mississauga’s commitment to reconciliation will be displayed on the screens throughout the day.
Bradley Museum Truth and Reconciliation tour
From Friday, September 1 through to Saturday, September 30, museum visitors can participate in a guided tour of the grounds and Bradley House, wherein museum staff will share information about the history of Indigenous Peoples on the land now known as Mississauga and the Credit Mission Village. Staff will also share what the City of Mississauga is doing today to further the process of reconciliation.
Day for Truth and Reconciliation tour and the Moccasin Identifier Project
On the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, visitors to Benares Historic House and Bradley Museum can take a guided tour of the grounds and house. Museum staff will share information about the history of Indigenous Peoples on the land now known as Mississauga. Letters from family connected to the house will be shared, providing a glimpse of how settlers and the Mississaugas interacted.
Visitors can also take part in the Moccasin Identifier Project. This project was developed by Carolyn King in partnership with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and The Greenbelt Foundation to promote public awareness of significant cultural historic sites and the ancestral presence of First Nations, Metis and Indigenous Communities.
Sauga Connections for older adults
On Thursday, September 14, Mississauga’s older adult residents are encouraged to learn more about the Moccasin Identifier Project and how they can get involved. No pre-registration is required to participate.
Moccasin Identifier Project at the library
Malton Library, Friday, October 6, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Create a visual reminder to recognize and honour our past using a Moccasin Identifier stencil kit. Participants will use stencils to create temporary paintings of moccasins worn by Indigenous Peoples to promote awareness and understanding of the history of the land we stand on. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In partnership with Museums Mississauga. Drop-in anytime during scheduled times.
Honouring the Mississaugas exhibit
To commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Mississaugas leaving the Credit for a new home in Hagersville, an exhibit was created by the Museums of Mississauga in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to honour their legacy and celebrate the history of this mighty nation.
Exhibit dates and locations:
- Meadowvale Library: September 1 to 14
- Frank McKechnie Library: September 16 to 30
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation flag raising
To recognize both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the City will raise the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) flag on September 30 at Mississauga Celebration Square.
Lighting the clock tower
To recognize both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the Civic Centre clock tower will be lit orange on September 30.
Mississauga’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in action
In February 2022, Mayor Bonnie Crombie along with Members of Council and Indigenous leaders from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) raised the Every Child Matters flag to fly permanently at City Hall. The City of Mississauga was the first large municipality in Canada to permanently raise the Every Child Matters flag.
Endorsement of a policy focused on the Use of Indigenous Images/Themes in City Sports Facilities. The policy promotes a positive and inclusive experience at City sports facilities, while supporting a climate of understanding and mutual respect.
Approval of the recommendations found in the City’s Annual Reconciliation Report and Land Acknowledgement Renewal, which included refreshing the City’s existing Indigenous Land Statement, which was formally adopted in 2017.
Adoption of Resolution 0207-2020 to address systemic discrimination and inequities within Mississauga, including accessibility to resources, services and supports for Black and Indigenous residents.