Mayor’s Statement – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

September 30 is designated to commemorate two significant events in our nation's history that are crucial in the journey toward reconciliation and understanding: the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

As we come together to observe these meaningful occasions, it is important we reflect on our shared history and honour the survivors of residential schools, their families and the many Indigenous children whose lives were tragically taken. This day is a solemn reminder of the painful legacy of colonialism and the work that remains to be done in the pursuit of justice, healing and reconciliation.

As Mayor of the great City of Oshawa, I recognize the profound responsibility we hold as a community to confront colonialism's legacies and to work collaboratively with Indigenous leaders and communities in addressing them. Building meaningful relationships is a foundational step in understanding and acknowledging the truths of the past and creating a more just and equitable future for all. The path toward reconciliation requires us to actively listen, learn, and act in ways that honour Indigenous rights, cultures, and traditions. We must also recognize that reconciliation is not a one-time effort but a continuous commitment to dismantling the colonial structures that still harm Indigenous peoples to this day.

One of the most recent acts we have taken in the City of Oshawa toward reconciliation is the renaming of Bagot Street in the City’s downtown.  It was important for the City to proceed with a renaming after learning that it’s presumed that Bagot Street was named after Sir Charles Bagot. Charles Bagot was responsible for leading the Bagot Commission which, through its final report in 1844, recommended a broad range of measures to establish control over Indigenous peoples, including creating boarding schools to isolate Indigenous children from their families and promote Christianity.  The new name will be “Debwewin Miikan”, an Anishinaabemowin phrase that means “Truth Road”.  This name was recommended by an Indigenous Working Group comprised of representatives of the Williams Treaties First Nations, the Oshawa Durham Métis Council and the urban Indigenous community.  This was a small step to build a meaningful relationship with Indigenous Peoples, by opening the opportunity to rename this in a way of their choosing.

On September 30, I encourage all residents to wear orange as a solidarity symbol and to also take time to learn more about Indigenous peoples' experiences in Canada. Let us commit to making meaningful actions that contribute to dismantling systemic inequalities and creating a community where every person is valued, respected, and heard.

In conclusion, as we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of truth, understanding, and healing. Let us stand together as a city that values the contributions and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and works tirelessly towards a future where every generation can thrive, unburdened by the legacy of colonization.