City raised the Every Child Matters flag on September 23 

Richmond Hill – September 30 is the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the Survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home and their families and communities. 

In recognition of this painful history and its ongoing impacts, Richmond Hill raised the Every Child Matters flag at the City’s main Municipal Offices at 225 East Beaver Creek Road today, joined by Sarah Loretta Schuster of Miskwaadesi Studio and Jay Shea of Odeiwin Foundation. Flags at City facilities will be lowered to half-mast on September 30. 

Community members can take part in two upcoming events offering opportunities to learn, reflect and engage with truth and reconciliation at Boynton House, located on the grounds of Richmond Green Park at 1300 Elgin Mills Road East:

• Saturday, September 26 – A Gathering for Truth and Reconciliation, presented by Miskwaadesi Studio. This family-friendly gathering will provide opportunities to listen and learn from Survivors, support Indigenous creators and participate in hands-on activities. As part of the gathering, participants will take a short walk through the medicine garden to learn about the harvest and braid sweetgrass to take home. 

• Wednesday, September 30 – Healing Through Art: An Immersive Indigenous Art Experience, presented by Odeiwin Foundation. Featuring the work of Indigenous artist Paul Shilling, the exhibition will explore themes of identity, truth, resilience, healing, culture and reconciliation through original artwork, personal reflections and storytelling. Guided experiences and an open exhibition will be offered throughout the day. 

Details for both events can be found at RichmondHill.ca/BoyntonHouse. 

All Richmond Hill’s Municipal Offices, library branches and Access Richmond Hill contact centre will be closed on Wednesday, September 30 to observe the Day. Community Centres and Pools will open for regular hours. 

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“There is no reconciliation without truth. As a community, we need to understand Canada’s history and acknowledge the injustices experienced by Indigenous Peoples and the impacts that continue today. I encourage everyone in Richmond Hill to take time to learn, listen to Indigenous voices and participate in one of the events happening in our community. We all have a role to play in moving reconciliation forward.”  –  Mayor David West, City of Richmond Hill