Today, the Town of Whitby unveiled the first orange crosswalk to honour the many children lost, residential school survivors, and their families in advance of The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, tomorrow, September 30.

Mayor Don Mitchell and members of Whitby Town Council were joined by Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant from the Turtle Clan from Shawanaga First Nations Reserve, and community members to commemorate the official unveiling of the orange crosswalk on the traditional and treaty territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations at the corner of King Street and Dundas Street, outside of the Whitby Public Library.

“The orange crosswalk reflects the Town's commitment to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, and bring awareness to the individual, family, and community inter-generational impacts of Residential Schools in our country. As you walk across, I encourage you to take a moment to honour and remember the children taken and the families left behind.”

- Don Mitchell, Mayor, Town of Whitby

“More than just a crosswalk, this is a symbol of the strength and courage of Residential School survivors and their families and a permanent tribute to young lives taken. Learning about the impacts of the Residential Schools is everyone’s responsibility.”

- Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant from the Turtle Clan from Shawanaga First Nations Reserve

Quick Facts

• The location of the crosswalk was chosen in partnership with local Indigenous communities and organizations, Whitby’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and the Whitby Public Library for its central location in the heart of the community.
• The orange crosswalk is adjacent to Celebration Square, a community gathering place and the home of National Indigenous Peoples Day events.
• Ribbons to Remember: Now through October 10, residents can tie an orange ribbon to the fence outsite The Presse Café at the Whitby Public Library to remember and honour the children lost to residential schools. Ask for a free ribbon at the Presse Café, at the main branch of the Whitby Public Library, or place your own.
• In honour of the many children lost, residential school survivors, and their families, Town Hall will be lit up orange on September 30.

For more information, visit whitby.ca/diversity.