September 30th marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we honour the children, families and communities impacted by the residential school system. September 30th is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad a survivor of the residential school system who shared her story of the orange shirt as a platform for building awareness of the inter-generational impacts of residential school and the promotion of ‘Every Child Matters’.
In 2015 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) published its 94 Calls to Action, setting a pathway forward in addressing the harms caused by residential schools. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is just one of 94 calls to action, a day to honour and commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
Truth and reconciliation is our collective responsibility. Beginning Tuesday, September 19th the 94 Calls to Action will be displayed along the Train Trail as part of a StoryWalk©. StoryWalk© begins at the Collingwood Museum and follows the Train Trail to Collins Street.
In observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation an art installation has been introduced on the grounds of the Collingwood Museum grounds. The installation includes a circle of doors inspired by the book “A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools”, a collaboration between Phil Fontaine, Aimee Craft and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
The doorways symbolically connect to the truth of our shared history and to the opportunities we may open towards a future where Indigenous human rights, including language, culture, traditions and laws are respected and celebrated for generations to come.
Words of poetry have been included on each door shared by Poet Laureate, Jillian Morris. The community is invited to visit the installation, add an orange feather, and take time to reflect on our collective responsibilities for reconciliation. The doorways will be in place at the Museum from Tuesday, September 19th to Monday, October 2nd. Over this time, fabric orange feathers are available for the public at the Collingwood Museum, Collingwood Public Library and Town Hall.
Join Heather McIntyre, Indigenous Life & Wellness Coach on Wednesday, September 27th at 6:00 p.m. for a community awareness presentation around truth & reconciliation. Through storytelling, Heather will speak to the importance of truly understanding reconciliation and how we can grow relationships and respect for the community in allyship with all of creation.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Programming
94 Calls to Action StoryWalk©
Train Trail beginning at the Collingwood Museum and extending to Collins Street
September 19 – October 2
Doorway Installation – A Knock on the Door & Orange Feathers
Collingwood Museum grounds (South-East corner)
Orange feathers available – Collingwood Museum, Collingwood Public Library, Town Hall
September 19 – October 2
Circle of Understanding – Heather McIntryre
Doorway Installation – Collingwood Museum grounds
September 27, 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Flag Raising – Every Child Matters Flag
Community Flagpole, Collingwood Public Library
September 29, 4:00 p.m.
Followed by a brief poetry with Poet Laureate at the Doorway Installation, Collingwood Museum
Clock Tower Lighting
Townhall clock tower will be illuminated orange
September 29 – October 2