On September 30, 2023, the Town of St. Marys will join people across the country in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day was created in 2021 to recognize the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of these institutions.
The Town of St. Marys will commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a week of activities focused on healing and education from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29, 2023. Thank you to all who lead and attend our events. It is wonderful to see so many residents taking time to reflect, listen and learn.
Events & Activities
We recognize that reconciliation doesn’t happen in a day. You can continue the reconciliation journey by participating in the activities listed below.
Sunrise Ceremony and Sacred Fire | Milt Dunnell Field |
On Thursday, September 28, local Indigenous educator Patsy Anne Day will offer a “Sunrise Ceremony” as a way to give appreciation, to be loving, full of compassion and joy, and express thanks for life and nature. The event will start at 7:30 a.m. at the north end of Milt Dunnell Field. A sacred fire will also be lit and tended by firekeepers from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Milt Dunnell Field. Those attending the fire will learn about the four medicines sacred to many Indigenous cultures: tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar. Attendees are invited to add sacred medicines to the fire. Children will have an opportunity to create a feather craft keepsake. |
Curated Reading List |
The St. Marys Public Library is sharing curated reading lists for both children and adults. The lists feature books that honour the Indigenous children who endured residential schools in Canada. The reading lists and several helpful resources are available now through the library’s online catalogue. |
The Walk a Mile Film Project | St. Marys Public Library |
On Wednesday, September 27 and Friday, September 29, the St. Marys Public Library is showing “The Walk a Mile Film Project” from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The project is comprised of five short films: Coming to Terms, We are All Treaty People, A Legacy of Struggle, Targets & Heroes, and The Way Forward |
The National Truth and Reconciliation flag |
The National Truth and Reconciliation flag will also be flown at Town facilities from Thursday, September 28 to Monday, October 2. |
Talking About Treaty 29 |St. Marys Museum |
From September 25 to November 30, the St. Marys Museum will host an exhibit titled 'Talking About Treaty 29'. The exhibit will examine the creation of Treaty 29, also known as the Huron Tract Purchase of 1827. It will also explore the history of treaties and how the ongoing rights and responsibilities impact the area now known as St. Marys. The exhibit will be available for viewing during the museum’s regular hours. |
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation facilitates learning for Canadians |
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation facilitates learning for Canadians by offering a series of free virtual lunch and learn sessions on a multitude of Truth and Reconciliation topics, from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29, at 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. Register for the lunch and learns through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website. |