Guelph Mercury Friday, September 23, 2022
The City of Guelph is encouraging employees and the community to reflect on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 and to take an active part in the reconciliation process.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 95 calls to action include a call for all levels of government to provide education to public servants on the history of Indigenous Peoples, including the history and legacy of Residential Schools.
“We know the impact colonization and Residential Schools had, and continues to have on Indigenous children, their families and communities,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie, in a news release. “As settlers, we must accept that history, and take active steps to reconcile. That means learning, breaking down stereotypes and connecting with and supporting Indigenous communities.”
“The TRC says the number of Indigenous children counted buried in unmarked graves will reach 3,200 in Canada,” said Scott Stewart, the city’s chief administrative officer, in the same release.
City staff is invited to participate in different training opportunities, one of the suggested courses being the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada online course.
THE CITY SUGGESTED THESE 8 WAYS TO TAKE INDIVIDUAL ACTION:
- Read a book by an Indigenous author
- Take a course to learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples
- Watch an Indigenous documentary or movie
- Donate to an Indigenous organization
- Volunteer with an Indigenous organization
- Shop at an Indigenous business
- Attend a cultural event
- Support Indigenous artists and musicians
GUELPH MUSEUMS IS HOSTING EVENTS LEADING UP TO SEPT. 30 SUCH AS:
- A virtual tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School
- #HopeandHealingCanada art installation by Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers at Riverside Park
- No Word for Art Indigenous beadwork workshop with Naomi Smith, Chippewas of Nawash First Nation
- Conversations in Pipigwan Flute, a presentation by Rene Meshake, a residential school survivor
SEPT. 30 IS ALSO ORANGE SHIRT DAY
Orange Shirt Day is held on Sept. 30 to honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples and affirm the commitment that every child matters, the city stated in the news release. Everyone is invited to wear orange shirts or stickers to honour the Indigenous children who died as a result of colonization and the Residential School policy. The lights at City Hall and the Civic Museum in Guelph will be lit orange in commemoration.
“We encourage members of our community to take some time on September 30 to honour the buried children and Survivors of Residential Schools, their families and communities, by living in the truth of this tragedy, increasing your awareness, and participating in programs and events that are available throughout the city,” said Sara Sayyed, the city’s senior adviser on equity, anti-racism and Indigenous initiatives.