The second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is being marked tomorrow.
Sept. 30 also marks Orange Shirt Day, which was inspired by 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. 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 2021. 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, the provincial offences office, Archie Dillon Sportsplex pool, Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre and both branches of the Timmins Public Library will be closed. Timmins Transit will run as usual.
Residential garbage and recycling collection that falls on Friday, Sept. 30, will be picked up on Monday, Oct. 3. The Deloro Landfill site will be closed.
Events
An Orange Shirt Day walk starts at 11 a.m. at the Timmins Native Friendship Centre (TNFC) located at 179 Kirby Ave. If you're looking for an orange T-shirt, the friendship centre is accepting donations for shirts, while supplies last.
Before the walk, the TNFC's Caitlyn Kaltwasser and Nathan Naveau will be speak at the 7 Feathers Crosswalk located at the corner of Third Avenue and Pine Street South downtown Timmins.
A 24-hour national residential school crisis line to support former students and their families is available at 1-866-925-4419.
