York Region recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, I recognize and acknowledge Saturday, September 30, 2023, as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time for reflection and mourning. It is also a time for learning, understanding and committing to a better future for all who call this land home. Acknowledging the traumatic legacy of Canada’s residential schools is a small but crucial step towards recognizing and honouring the healing journey of survivors and their families.

In observing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Regional Council reaffirms our commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive communities by learning from the mistakes of the past. Alongside the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, on whose traditional territory we reside, York Region continues to learn more, do more and be allies for change.

As an organization, York Region continues to take steps to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions seven Calls to Action directed at municipal government by expanding internal skills-based training and education on the history of Aboriginal Peoples, engaging with Indigenous partners on key infrastructure plans and creating a permanent fulltime position to support the Region’s Indigenous relations.

Today, and every day, we encourage staff and residents to create opportunities for meaningful discussion and to learn more about the true history of our country, including the tragic and shameful impacts of the residential school system. By listening intently and learning from the experiences of others, we can all become allies for change and continue to move forward on the path to healing and reconciliation.

As a symbol of the strength and courage of survivors and as a tribute to lives lost, York Region will fly the Every Child Matters flag at half-mast at 17250 Yonge Street and 17150 Yonge Street in the Town of Newmarket on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Wayne Emmerson
York Region Chairman and CEO

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Media Contact:

Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71234
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