Brampton renews its commitment to Reconciliation and reflects on Indigenous history in Canada
BRAMPTON, ON (September 26, 2023) – In its ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Brampton is observing Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 25 to 30, and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30. The City of Brampton encourages all residents and employees to pay tribute, learn and reflect on both these significant days.
On September 27, Brampton raised the Every Child Matters flag in recognition of the children who never returned home, the survivors, and the families and communities that attended, died and survived the Canadian Residential School system. On September 30, all flags at City Hall and every City of Brampton facility will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset. A full listing of programming and events can be found below.
Save the dates
Orange Shirt Day Sales
In acknowledgement of the children who attended the Residential School System in Canada, orange t-shirts will be available to purchase at $20 each. $5 from each sale will be donated to a local Indigenous organization.
Thursday, September 28, 2023
9:30 am to 1 pm
Garden Square, 12 Main St North, Brampton, ON
City of Brampton Clock Tower will be lit Orange
September 30, 2023
Sunset
Brampton City Hall, 2 Wellington Street Brampton, ON
Brampton Transit
Brampton Transit will display a message to mark National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on all electronic destination signs on their buses.
Pixel: Indigenous Art Exhibition
The latest edition of the PIXEL: Digital Art Exhibition series will feature artwork from 24 local Indigenous artists, creatives and/or collectives on the big screen in Garden Square, across recreation centres and libraries, and for the first time, in person at the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) office at 8 Nelson Street West, third floor, Brampton ON
Exhibition Launch and Opening Celebration
Friday, October 20, 2023.
6 pm to 9 pm
BAO Office, 8 Nelson Street West, Unit 301
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In June 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 to establish a new public holiday for federally regulated employers called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This new holiday is action number 80 from the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The day seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis lives that were lost, survivors, their families and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
About Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day is commemorated on September 30 each year to honour the children who were forced to attend residential schools. We remember the children who never returned home, the survivors, and the families and communities who were and continue to be impacted by the legacy of the residential school system. The symbol of the orange shirt comes from Phyllis ‘Jack’ Webstad’s story and her experience of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day attending St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School.
City of Brampton’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
During Truth and Reconciliation Week, City of Brampton employees will partake in learning and development opportunities to better understand how they can take meaningful action toward reconciliation in the work they do each day.
The City of Brampton remains committed to learning and understanding and continues to build meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities founded on mutual respect, trust, and recognition of its responsibility of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. As a part of this work, in 2021 the City of Brampton launched its Equity Office and recently added an Indigenous Relations Advisor to ensure every decision that is made, and every program that is developed respect Indigenous culture.
Additional Resources
Quotes
“In recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we are continuing to take steps in a collective journey towards healing, understanding, and unity. This journey is continued through every day of the year and together we are honouring the truth, acknowledging our shared history, and building a brighter future together.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
"The City of Brampton and its employees are proud to stand united in honouring Indigenous voices, stories, and experiences on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Our team is taking time to learn more about Indigenous Peoples to enable them to meaningfully reflect on these important days. Together, we acknowledge the truth and pledge our unwavering support for healing, justice, and equity."
- Marlon Kallideen, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton
"We all have a vital role in the collective effort to create an inclusive, equitable, and compassionate Brampton for everyone, and as we mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I encourage residents and employees alike to educate themselves about the Indigenous people and Canadian history and the profound, intergenerational impact that residential schools have had on Indigenous families. Only by working together, can we make meaningful change and stride forward in our journey toward reconciliation.”
- Rozella Johnston, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Liaison, City of Brampton
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 700,000 people and 90,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable, and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca
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