A sea of orange could be seen in downtown St. Thomas Monday as members of the community gathered for a noon hour ceremony to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
A land acknowledgment, flag raising, traditional drumming and proclamation reading by Mayor Joe Preston, helped kick off the ever-so important time of reflection and learning.
But as co-organizer Betty Jean Phillips Budden stressed, it can’t just be one day.
Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history, as well as the ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
But as Budden points out, not everyone receives the same opportunity to take part. This is why Call to Action #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is necessary.
As of 2024, only residents of British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island and Yukon, honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday.
Don’t forget– Support is available for anyone affected by the traumatic legacy of residential schools and those who are triggered by the latest reports and recoveries.
The Residential School Survivors and Family Hotline is 1-866-925-4419.
The First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line is 1-855-242-3310.
The Native Youth Crisis Hotline is 1-877-209-1266.
Written by: K. Freeman
