Richmond Hill – Today, Richmond Hill raised the Every Child Matters flag in recognition of the trauma caused by residential schools, and to remember the children who never came home, as well as the survivors, their families and communities.

We also proclaimed September 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Richmond Hill, demonstrating support for this important day and the reflection it encourages. Flags at Richmond Hill’s facilities will fly at half-mast.

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, started by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school. The orange shirt is a symbol of the culture, freedom, and the self-esteem which was stripped away from Indigenous Peoples as a result of these horrible institutions. I encourage all of Richmond Hill to wear orange on the 30th to demonstrate your support.

Building on the City’s first Land Acknowledgement which was adopted earlier this year, the raising of the Every Child Matters flag today is another important step as we respond to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

I truly believe in the work Richmond Hill Council and staff are undertaking to move us closer to reconciliation. Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian—by demonstrating our commitment to remembrance, education and reflection, we are helping to dismantle the legacy of residential schools and demonstrating recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples and supporting education on the history of the lands on which we live and work.

We are listening and learning, which is the first step toward building a relationship with First Nations Treaty Rights Holders, and local Indigenous communities.

I’d like to share that Odeiwin, a York Region based Indigenous non-profit group, is hosting an event at the Richmond Hill Central Library on September 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event will include guest speakers, a grandfather drum, and a sacred fire, as well as traditional medicine and food. It’s a great opportunity for our community to continue to learn together.

I encourage everyone to reflect on the legacy of residential schools in Canada and how we can all work towards reconciliation.