National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Community Resources

Municipality of Lakeshore offices will be closed on Thursday, September 30 in recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The Atlas Tube Recreation Centre will remain open for facility rentals and community programs.

“As a local government, observing this solemn holiday may seem like a small part of our country’s reconciliation efforts, but it is an important reminder that we all have a part to play,” said Mayor Tom Bain. “This holiday is an opportunity to seek out the stories of residential school survivors and to take a moment to reflect on the history of our country’s relationship with Indigenous people.”

As part of that opportunity, the Municipality has gathered educational resources as well as information about National Day of Truth and Reconciliation events happening in the region.

Local Events:

• Join the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre for their Every Child Matters Healing Walk in Windsor. Opening ceremonies begin at 11:00 AM east of Bert Weeks Memorial Gardens, Windsor with the walk starting at 1:00 PM. Activities will continue until 6:00 PM at Assumption Park.
• Join the Caldwell First Nation for their Taking Steps to Honour & Remember the Lives and Spirits of Those Who Attended Indian Residential Schools event. Event kicks off at 10:00 AM at the Caldwell Community Hall.
• Wear orange and join the Comber Cares: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation walk at the Comber Fairgrounds starting at 10:00 AM.

Truth and Reconciliation Resources

• Read the reports issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, including the 94 Calls to Action and the history of Canada's residential schools.
• Watch and listen to the stories of residential school survivors.
• Tune in to CBC's Truth and Reconciliation programming.
• Seek out stories from Indigenous authors with the Leddy Library's Residential School Experiences book collection or CBC's reconciliation reading list.
• If you plan to talk to your children about reconciliation, consider these tips from Monique Gray Smith or incorporate educational resources suitable for all ages.
• Participate in online learning sessions or watch a recorded webinar:
  • Join the University of Windsor for a number of virtual education sessions this week.
  • Check out the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's schedule for public webinars and discussions, including recordings of past events.
  • Enroll in the University of Alberta's Indigenous Canada course.