Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 was created to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities. The holiday publicly commemorates the history and ongoing legacy of the residential school system.  

In recognition of the day, the City of Richmond Hill and the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts are hosting a virtual fundraising event featuring guest speaker and residential school survivor Dawn Hill. It’s a great opportunity for residents and staff to gain a deeper understanding of the personal impact of the residential school system through Ms. Hill’s first-hand story. I’m looking forward to learning more.

It’s important that we take advantage of learning opportunities such as this. All City facilities will be closed on September 30 to allow our employees, and encourage residents, to reflect on the tragic history of residential schools and how we can all play a part in reconciliation. Flags at all Richmond Hill facilities will also be lowered to half-mast.

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, a day when people honour residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school. I encourage all of Richmond Hill to wear orange on the 30th and take the time to reflect on truth and reconciliation.

Joe DiPaola

Acting Mayor