THUNDER BAY — Friday, Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The federal statutory holiday was first marked in 2021 and honours the victims, survivors, families and communities impacted by residential schools.
It coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative to raise awareness of the inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters."
Multiple events are scheduled for the Thunder Bay area, including a flag-raising ceremony at Hillcrest Park from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
It will be led by a member of the city's Anishinaabe Elders Council.
The City of Thunder Bay has posted the following information about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in the area:
- 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Reconciliation Run in support of Mazinaajim Chldren's Foundation, hosted by Dilico, at Boulevard Lake. Every registered participant will receive a medal and t-shirt. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/237702894757. For more information, email events@dilico.com
-9:30 a.m to 10:30 a.m.: Survivors flag raising ceremony at Hillcrest Park, hosted by City of Thunder Bay
-11:00 a.m. to 12 noon: Walk in honour of residential school survivors and families, hosted by NAN, starting at the NAN offices at 200 Syndicate Ave. S. View the event poster
-1:00 p.m.: Grand entry for the fall powwow hosted by Fort William First Nation at Anemki Wajiw - Thunder Mountain powwow grounds. At this event, the Thunder Bay Museum in collaboration with the Legacy of Hope Foundation will also display the Killing the Indian in the Child travelling exhibit. Orange shirts will also be available. A feast will be held at 5 p.m. and the second Grand Entry will take place at 7 p.m. View the event poster
-1:00 p.m.: Ontario Native Women's Association events including teachings, exhibit, and a clinic at 380 Ray Boulevard. ONWA will host a series of land-based and fireside teachings, an exhibit from the Thunder Bay Museum on the history of St. Joseph's Residential School, and a vaccination clinic
The Shelter House will also hold an event including a bonfire, bannock burgers, and a ceremony with elder Sam Achneepineskum.
In Ontario, the provincial government has not declared Sept. 30 a statutory holiday.
The stat only applies to federal employees in the province, as well as federally-regulated private-sector industries including banks, air transportation, grain elevators, Crown corporations such as Canada Post, courier services, broadcasting, railways, and telecommunications.
In most other workplaces in the province, it will be a normal work day, except in cases where employers have decided to recognize the holiday, or in instances where the stat is covered by a collective agreement, including City of Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay Public Library workers.
