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TBM to lower flags for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The town invites the community to wear orange shirts on Sept. 30
CollingwoodToday Staff
Blue Mountains logo
The Town of The Blue Mountains logo.Chris Fell

The Town of The Blue Mountains is reminding local residents that Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the town will lower the flags to half-staff and fly the survivors' flag to recognize and remember victims and survivors of Residential Schools across Canada. A flag-raising ceremony will be held at town hall at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 30.

“Truth and Reconciliation Day is an important day for Canada and our community,” said Mayor Andrea Matrosovs in a news release from the town. “It is a reminder of the tragic impact residential schools have had on generations of Indigenous families. This annual recognition day is a vital component of the reconciliation process and an opportunity for every community to learn more. Truth and reconciliation must go hand in hand.”

The Blue Mountains Public Library is hosting an Inuit Culture Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the L.E. Shore Library. Hosted by Muckpaloo Ipeelie, a local Blue Mountains resident and owner of the Urban Inuit Identity Project, the workshop gives attendees an opportunity to dive into Inuit culture, nomadic life and the genesis of Canada with the Arctic. Those interested can register on the library website. The town also invites the community to wear orange on Saturday, Sept. 30, in recognition of Orange Shirt Day.

For more information and educational resources on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please visit the following:

The Town of The Blue Mountains is located within the boundary of Treaty 18 region of 1818 which is the traditional land of the Anishnaabek, Haudenosaunee and Wendat-Wyandot-Wyandotte peoples. The Town honours and acknowledges the First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples of Canada as traditional stewards of this land.

Support Services Available

  • The National Residential School Crisis Line: This national crisis line is available 24 hours a day to provide support for former students and those affected. Access support and crisis referral services by calling 1-866-925-4419. 
  • The Hope for Wellness Help Line: Indigenous peoples across Canada can connect with The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.