BADEN, ON – As part of the Township’s continued journey towards Truth and Reconciliation, staff have prepared a learning and development toolkit, and shared preliminary details regarding “A Day of Learning and Healing” scheduled to take place on September 30, 2022, at Norm S. Hill Park in New Hamburg, ON.
The event, hosted by Crow Shield Lodge, coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and is open to everyone, with no registration required. The day’s activities will be led by members of the local Indigenous Community, and will include a sunrise ceremony, an address from a local Indigenous elder, a sacred fire from dawn until dusk, and hopes to include additional speakers from the local Indigenous community.
The event will take place at Norm S. Hill Park, which situated alongside the Nith River in New Hamburg. This location was identified by members of the Indigenous Community as the best space for this ceremony, given its proximity to the water.
On September 30, the Township of Wilmot will join communities across the Region, Province and Canada to recognize and observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This time is dedicated to honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis survivors, their families and communities. It provides an important opportunity to remember the victims of the Residential School System and to reflect on the painful lasting impacts on Residential School survivors, their families and Indigenous communities.
In August 2022, Wilmot Council endorsed a staff recommendation authorizing a funding allocation of $2,000 towards this event, with additional support for communications and promotions.
“As a Township Council, we recognize the important leadership role we can play in our community’s efforts towards Truth and Reconciliation,” noted Mayor Les Armstrong. “Supporting events like this shows that we are serious about working alongside the local Indigenous community on a path forward,” Armstrong added.
In addition to the ceremonies on September 30, all Township staff and members of Council were provided a “Learning and Development Toolkit” to reference throughout September in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“We continue to work in collaboration with area municipalities to provide learning and development opportunities for staff and community, as we collectively travel the path towards truth and reconciliation,” said Sharon Chambers, Chief Administrative Officer. “The events planned for September 30th, and the resources provided will help to increase our understanding of Indigenous History in Canada, and the impact of the Residential School System.”
In 2021, Council directed staff to fly the “Every Child Matters” flag at the Township Administration Complex for the entire month of September. The flag was raised by Mayor Armstrong on September 1, 2022, prior to being lowered to half-mast in recognition of the tragedy on James Smith Cree Nation, and the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
For more information on this event, other community events across the Region, and additional learning and development resources, please visit wilmot.ca/NDTR.
Media contact:
Corporate Communications | Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
Township of Wilmot | 519-634-8444 | communications@wilmot.ca
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