National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

September 26, 2022

The Town of Grimsby Recognizes the 2022 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30^th is the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. It is a day to reflect on the painful and lasting impacts of residential schools in Canada, to honour survivors, their families, and their communities, and is an opportunity for residents, Town Staff, and Council to take part in the journey towards reconciliation.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes that at least 150,000 Indigenous children from across the country were forcibly separated from their families and their communities. It also recognizes that children were brought to residential schools where far too many experienced abuse, and were removed from their cultures, languages, and traditions.

The Town also recognizes the harms, injustices, and intergenerational trauma that Indigenous peoples have faced – and continue to face – because of the residential school system, systemic racism, and the discrimination that persists in our society. We must all learn about the history and legacy of residential schools. It is only by facing these hard truths, and learning from them, that we can move forward together towards a more positive, fair, and better future.

“I encourage all residents and staff to take this opportunity to learn more about the history of residential schools in Canada, listen to the stories of survivors and their families, and reflect on how each of us can play a part in the journey towards reconciliation” said Mayor Jordan.

As part of the reconciliation process, a number of free community events will be taking place across the Niagara region. A list of community events can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/525686242562854/events. In addition, the Grimsby Public Library and Art Gallery will be hosting a variety of educational resources and experiences that support reconciliation:

Carl Beam Artwork
Date and Time: Available as of Monday, September 26, 2022. Please visit during library hours
Location: Grimsby Public Library and Art Gallery (Community Exhibition Space, Gallery East), 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby, Ontario, L3M 1Y1
Description: Carl Beam is an artist who works in a variety of media to explore the tensions between Western and Indigenous relations. In his autobiographical work, he references himself as an Ojibwa, and places his Native culture within broader surroundings. He brings to attention problems that affect contemporary Native cultures and shows, through his juxtaposition of images, how these concerns relate to larger world issues. Through his work Beam integrates personal memory with issues related to the environment, brutality, and a rethinking of the ways histories are told.

Little Thunder
Date and Time: September 24, 2022 – October 1, 2022 during library hours
Location: Grimsby Public Library and Art Gallery (in the lobby), 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby, Ontario, L3M 1Y1
Description: This animated short, inspired by the Mi'kmaq legend "The Stone Canoe", explores Indigenous humour. We follow Little Thunder as he reluctantly leaves his family and sets out on a cross-country canoe trip to become a man.
(The short film can also be viewed online: https://www.nfb.ca/film/vistas_little_thunder/).

Story Walk: You Hold Me Up / Gimananaadenim by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel
Date and Time: Available as of Monday, September 26, 2022
Location: Grimsby Public Library and Art Gallery, 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby, Ontario, L3M 1Y1
Description: Consultant, international speaker, and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote “You Hold Me Up” to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers, and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy, and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

Community Art Piece
Date and Time: Available as of Monday, September 26, 2022. Please visit during library hours
Location: Grimsby Public Library and Art Gallery, 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby, Ontario, L3M 1Y1
Description: As you weave a string throughout the tapestry loom, reflect on the painful and lasting impacts of residential schools in Canada, honour survivors and their families, and commit yourself to the journey of reconciliation. Upon completion, the community art piece will be displayed in the Art Gallery.

Lastly, a flag raising ceremony will take place at Town Hall on September 30, 2022 at 9:00am. Residents are welcome to attend, and are encouraged to wear orange in support of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Additionally, the outdoor lights at Town Hall will be coloured orange out of respect for this day.

Please note, Town Hall will remain open on September 30, 2022 to support the Town’s regular business operations.