A new federal holiday is being observed for the first time this week.
Sept. 30 is now National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It also marks Orange Shirt Day, which was inspired by a residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, who had her orange shirt taken away on her first day at school.
A number of events are planned to honour residential school victims and survivors for the inaugural event. It also means that some places, including Timmins city hall, will be closed.
The legislation is in response to the 80th call to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action. It was passed in June. The day is meant to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities and commemorate the ongoing legacy of residential schools.
Because it's a statutory holiday, Crown corporations and federally regulated industries and workplaces such as banks and Canada Post are entitled to a day off.
Timmins city hall will be closed on Sept. 30.
Residential garbage and recycling collection that falls on Thursday, Sept. 30, will be picked up on Friday, Oct. 1. The Deloro Landfill and German Township Landfill sites will be closed.
Ontario will observe the day but is not making it a provincial holiday.
Some provinces, such as British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories will be observing the holiday.
Events
An Orange Shirt Day walk starts at 11 a.m. at the Timmins Native Friendship Centre. After the walk, there will be a guest speaker sharing their experience of residential school, a sacred fire, tea and bannock.
There's a new crosswalk to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation downtown Timmins at the intersection of Third Avenue and Pine Street South. It's being officially unveiled at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
In Matheson, the Wahgoshig flag is being repatriated at the municipal offices. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. and there will be speeches from Chief June Black and Mayor Gilles Laderoute. Afterwards, Wahgoshig First Nation is hosting a traditional feast at the family lodge from noon to 3 p.m. All are welcome.
How are you marking the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? Send your photos or stories to [email protected].
A 24-hour national residential school crisis line to support former students and their families is available at 1-866-925-4419.
