This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the Town encourages residents to reflect on the purpose and importance of this day. Public commemoration of the impact of our actions and those before us on Indigenous communities, on the tragedy that occurred at residential schools, and honouring the lives lost, the survivors, and their families is vital to the reconciliation process. Learn more and get involved in Truth and Reconciliation Initiatives:

Learn How to be a Good Ally

Becoming an active ally requires listening and learning. Hear from Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant from the Turtle Clan from Shawanaga First Nations Reserve about the importance of this day and how to be a good ally in her video from the first Truth and Reconciliation Day. Visit whitby.ca/Diversity to find resources to expand your knowledge of First Nations, the Inuit, and Métis People and browse Whitby Public Library’s Indigenous Canada list of great Indigenous Authors - to learn more about the history of Canada and the relationship with its Indigenous people.

Tie an Orange Ribbon

Starting today, until October 10, you can tie an orange ribbon to the fence outside The Presse Café at the Whitby Public Library Central Library (located at 405 Dundas Street) to remember and honour the children lost to residential schools. Ask for a ribbon at the Presse Café, the main branch of Whitby Public Library, or place your own.

Commemorative Orange Crosswalk

On September 29 at 4 p.m., The Town of Whitby will unveil a commemorative orange crosswalk on the traditional and treaty territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations. This crosswalk will be located at the corner of King and Dundas Streets, outside of the Whitby Public Library. With advice and guidance from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, local Indigenous communities and organizations, the Town of Whitby has created this space to honour and remember the children taken and the families left behind. As you pass this crosswalk, take a moment to reflect on the legacy of colonialism and the devastating impact of residential schools.

#OrangeShirtDay

On September 30, wear an orange shirt for #OrangeShirtDay to commemorate the history of residential schools, to honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. If you are purchasing an orange shirt for Orange Shirt Day, please consider supporting an Indigenous community, or buy a shirt from an organization that supports Indigenous groups. Some suggestions include Bawaajigewin - An Aboriginal Community Circle and Nish tees.

The Town’s social media channels will be dedicated to the Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30.

For more information, visit whitby.ca/Diversity.