National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, 2024, 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 23 to Monday, September 30, 2024. 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.

Virtual Lunch & Learns | St. Marys Public Library | 1:00 pm

From Monday, September 23 to Friday, September 27, the St. Marys Public Library will be showing virtual Lunch and Learns hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (www.nctr.ca). The showings will cover five different topics and will take place upstairs in the library starting at 1:00 p.m. each day. The St. Marys Public Library will also be livestreaming the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation broadcast from Parliament Hill at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30.

Monday, September 23 | 1:00 PM

Virtual Lunch & Learn: Health Related Impacts of the Residential School System

Tuesday, September 24 | 1:00 PM

Virtual Lunch & Learn: Allyship and Confronting Unconscious Bias

Wednesday, September 25 | 1:00 PM

Virtual Lunch & Learn: Impacts and Addressing Indigenous Identity Fraud

Thursday, September 26 | 1:00 PM

Virtual Lunch & Learn: A Community Perspective of United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Friday, September 27 | 1:00 PM

Virtual Lunch & Learn: How Do We Address the Barriers to Reconciliation?

Livestream of Parliament Hill Broadcast | St. Marys Library | September 30 | 3:00 pm

The St. Marys Public Library will be livestreaming the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation broadcast from Parliament Hill at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30.

Individuals are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on Monday, September 30 to honour survivors of residential schools, in support of the “Every Child Matters” message. Those looking to purchase a shirt are encouraged to buy from Indigenous-owned businesses.

The National Truth and Reconciliation flag

The National Truth and Reconciliation flag will also be flown at Town facilities from Thursday, September 26 to Tuesday, October 1.

‘A National Crime: The Residential School Experience in Canada’ through the Legacy of Hope Foundation and 'Talking About Treaty 29' exhibits | St. Marys Museum

'A National Crime: The Residential School Experience in Canada' exhibit

Beginning on Monday, September 30, the St. Marys Museum will host an exhibit titled ‘A National Crime: The Residential School Experience in Canada’ through the Legacy of Hope Foundation. The exhibit explores the creation of the Residential School System, the experiences of the students and the system’s impacts and traumas. It will also highlight Indigenous-led political action, healing and efforts towards reconciliation.The exhibit will be available for viewing until January 2025 during the museum’s regular hours.

'Talking About Treaty 29 exhibit'

Also beginning on September 30, the St. Marys Museum will host an exhibit titled ‘Talking About Treaty 29’. The exhibit examines the creation of Treaty 29, also known as the Huron Tract Purchase of 1827. It also explores 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, until January 2025.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation facilitates learning for Canadians

For more information on National Day for Truth and reconciliation, please visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.

St. Marys Tourism Information
175 Queen Street East
P.O Box 998
St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6

Phone: 519-284-2340
Fax: 519-284-2881

General tourism related requests and inquiries

Office Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

(Monday - Friday)

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