The Town of Grimsby recognizes the 2023 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 29, 2023

The Town of Grimsby recognizes the 2023 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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

Truth and Reconciliation Day is meant to raise awareness of the tragic history of residential schools, and to foster truth-telling and reconciliation. The Town of Grimsby recognizes at least 150,000 Indigenous children from across the country were forcibly separated from their families and their communities. These children were brought to residential schools and far too many experienced abuse, and were stripped from their cultures, languages, and traditions.

As part of the reconciliation process, we encourage all residents to join the Grimsby Public Art Gallery, in partnership with the Grimsby Public Library, on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm for the unveiling of a custom artwork created by renowned Niagara-based artist, Leona Grandmond Skye. Skye will speak to human trafficking and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in connection to the Region while dispelling misinformation and myths surrounding one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada at this event. The talk will be followed by a screening of “Sister Round Dance Song”, an honour song dedicated to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women written and performed by Nikki Shawana.

“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.

The Town recognizes the harms, injustices, and intergenerational trauma 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.

Please note, the Town will be open for regular business operations, except for the cancellation of the October 2, 2023 Council meeting.

Contact Information:

Sarah Kim
Chief Administrative Officer
cao@grimsby.ca