Caledon recognizes National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Every Child Matters and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation flags raised at Town Hall

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Municipal staff, politicians, Caledon OPP and community members came together to mark an important day this week. 

On September 30, the Town of Caledon marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a flag-raising ceremony at Town Hall in Caledon East. 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours children who died at, and survivors of, residential schools in Canada. 

Between 1867 and 1996, 140 federally-run residential schools operated in Canada. The schools caused untold harm to Indigenous people; harm that's had devastating intergenerational impacts. 

Caledon Mayor Annette Groves said it's the responsibility of all Canadians to acknowledge the truth of Canada's past.

“This day is not only about reflection, but about taking meaningful steps toward healing, justice and understanding. It is a time to honour the resilience of Indigenous communities and to commit ourselves to a future built on mutual respect and reconciliation,” said Groves in a statement.

Caledon's Town Hall was lit orange at night throughout September to recognize Caledon's commitment to reconciliation. 

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots movement to raise awareness on the impact of residential schools. The orange shirt is a symbol of how residential schools stripped away the culture, freedom, and self-esteem of Indigenous children forced to attend them.

At the Town of Caledon's flag-raising ceremony, Regional Councillor Mario Russo shared a land acknowledgement and proclamation. 

“This is a sombre day when we reflect on the impacts to Indigenous peoples across Canada,” said Russo. “The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is a day to recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential and day schools and to remember those who were lost, their families, and survivors… Indigenous individuals and communities across the country continue to suffer the intergenerational effects of the trauma from residential and day schools.”