National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Aaniin, Boozhoo, Biindigen, Welcome to the Truth and Reconciliation page!
Information on this page is intended to provide resources to help us learn and support each other by making all spaces welcoming and inclusive.
Let us know if you are interested in topics that are not covered here, by emailing [email protected]
Truth and Reconciliation at the City of Oshawa
On June 20, 2022 Oshawa City Council recognized and acknowledged the T.R.C.’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (U.N.D.R.I.P.). Council also committed to meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous communities, using these two documents as the framework for the City’s Reconciliation efforts.
This report provides more details about Council’s acknowledgement of the Calls to Action and U.N.D.R.I.P.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The City has proclaimed September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Oshawa. This day is an opportunity for Oshawa residents to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.
The establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is in response to the 80th call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (T.R.C.) which calls for a day to "honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process."
| Survivor Flag to Honour Truth and Reconciliation |
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The Survivor Flag, designed by residential school survivors through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, is a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and reconciliation.
This flag honours the experiences and stories of survivors, their families, and communities impacted by the residential school system. By flying the Survivor Flag, we acknowledge the historical injustices inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, recognize the ongoing legacies of colonialism, and commit to a path of reconciliation, healing and meaningful relationship building.
The Survivor Flag serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices, and working together towards a more just and equitable future.
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| Honouring the Children – Orange Ribbon Memorials |
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In partnership with Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, the City of Oshawa invited community members to commemorate the children lost to residential schools and support healing in Indigenous communities by tying orange ribbons at one of the five memorials across the city. Starting in 2021, in partnership with Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, the City of Oshawa invited community members to commemorate the children lost to residential schools and support healing in Indigenous communities by tying orange ribbons at one of the six memorials across the City of Oshawa. Locations:
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Land Acknowledgement
The City of Oshawa is situated on lands and waters within the Williams Treaties Territory, home to seven First Nation communities of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg, who have cared for and maintained these lands from time immemorial and continue to do so to present day.
To access the City of Oshawa’s full version Land Acknowledgement and meaning of the word “Oshawa” visit Oshawa.ca/LandAcknowledgement.