Municipality of South Bruce recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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Pictured: The Every Child Matters flag is flown at half mast at the Teeswater Cenotaph to acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
For Immediate Release
September 30th, 2021
SOUTH BRUCE, ON – The Municipality of South Bruce joins with Canadians across the country in marking Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Today, we acknowledge the past and present wrongdoings towards Indigenous Canadians, particularly through the residential school system. On behalf of Council and staff I encourage all South Bruce residents to take time to learn from history, and commit to putting Reconciliation into action in our community, today and on a regular basis,” said Mayor Robert Buckle.
The Municipality has taken steps to acknowledge and recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, by lowering flags to half mast on municipal flag poles and encouraging staff to wear orange shirts to honour the survivors of the residential school system and raise awareness about this tragic chapter in history.
Furthermore, the Municipality has and will continue to take actions to promote education, respect and understanding among staff, Council and the community as part of the process of reconciliation.
Council recently adopted a Land Acknowledgement to be offered at the beginning of Council and Committee meetings, to recognize that the Municipality lies within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, and encourage respect for and awareness of Indigenous people.
As well, Council directed staff to find opportunities for Reconciliation training that would be made available to all in the community, building on Cultural Awareness training that Council, Community Liaison Committee, and staff members received a couple of years ago.
“We hope that these actions will help our staff, Council and community members continue on the important journey towards reconciliation with Indigenous Communities,” said CAO/Clerk Leanne Martin.
“The Municipality will continue to reflect on, and seek guidance on ways we can genuinely do our part to deepen our understanding and put reconciliation into action,” added Martin.
The Municipality recognizes that this day may be particularly difficult for survivors of the residential school system and the families of those who’s lives were lost, and notes that support is available 24 hours a day through the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line, at 1-866-925-4419.
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