Mayor’s statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today is Orange Shirt Day, and Canada’s second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Over the past year, there has been an important shift in understanding the enduring and terrible legacy of Canada’s residential school system. To mark this second national commemoration, residents are encouraged to dedicate part of their day to learning, reflection and action.

Understanding the impact of residential schools and colonialism in Canada is a necessary first step in acknowledging the cultural harm imposed on First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

On Orange Shirt Day, we all have an opportunity and responsibility to learn more about this dark history and commit ourselves to meaningful action. A few ways that non-Indigenous folks can do this include:

• learning about Indigenous peoples’ relationship with the land;
• reading Indigenous literature;
• supporting Indigenous artists;
• having meaningful conversations with family, friends and colleagues;
• challenging people who act in racist or discriminatory ways; and
• committing to personal change and allyship.

Perhaps plan on attending a pow wow or other public event hosted by Indigenous services at Conestoga College, St. Paul's University College at the University of Waterloo, or Wilfrid Laurier University. Or check out public activities hosted by local Indigenous organizations such as the “Remember Me, Remember Us” walk hosted by The Healing of the Seven Generations, today at 10 a.m.

In short, listen to the experiences of Indigenous people. The last residential school remained open until 1997 and this terrible legacy lives on in survivors, their children and grandchildren.

Kitchener Council members are committed to continue deepening our understanding of the history and current reality of Indigenous peoples; and to addressing longstanding, systemic anti-Indigenous racism that exists in our organization.

On September 16, staff and Council were honoured to witness the unveiling of the Every Child Matters crosswalk in Victoria Park – a commemoration initiated and led by residents and supported by a Love My Hood grant. This crosswalk is the first of its kind in Canada and has been sanctioned by the Orange Shirt Society.

Today, City staff and Council members will take time to learn, reflect and participate in Indigenous events as we all continue our journeys towards reconciliation. As the sun sets, City Hall and Carl Zehr Square will be lit in orange.

I encourage all Kitchener residents to take some time today to honour our Indigenous neighbours and celebrate the important and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples to Kitchener and Canada.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
On behalf of the City of Kitchener