Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Learn more about Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Visit City of Orillia website to explore local events and exhibits.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day which is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
Please note: The Library will be CLOSED on September 30.
ORILLIA PUBLIC LIBRARY LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, a member of the Three Fires Confederacy, which includes the Odawa, Potawatami, and Ojibway people. We honour them for having lived here, and cared for this land, from time immemorial. We recognize the many contributions that the Original People have made, and continue to make, to this region. We appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play in this beautiful place.
Programs | |
---|---|
"The Orange Shirt Story" StoryWalk®
|
|
National Day of Truth & Reconciliation - Fourth Annual Community Walk & Gathering Join us in the Orillia Public Library parking lot on Monday, September 30th, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., for the starting point of the Fourth Annual Community Walk & Gathering in recognition of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. We gather to reflect, support, and honour Surviviors, their families and communities as the Residential School legacy contines to impact the lives of Indigeous peoples across the country. The walk will culminate in a gathering at Terry Fox Circle at Couchiching Beach Park. (In partnership with local urban indigenous organizations: BRAWC (Biminaazogin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle), Orillia Native Women’s Group, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin (Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle) and the City of Orillia) |
|
Flag Raising - Orillia Opera House Biminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle (BRAWC) is hosting a flag raising at the Orillia Opera House on Monday, September 23rd at 11:15 a.m. Flags will be lowered to half mast on the morning of Saturday, September 28th and will remain at half mast until Tuesday, October 1st in commemoration and honour of the children who never returned home. |
Booklists
Other Resources
Contact Us