This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day (September 30), the Town encourages residents to reflect on the purpose and importance of this day. Commemoration of the impact of our actions and those before us on Indigenous communities, on the tragedy that occurred at residential schools, and honouring the lives lost, the survivors, and their families is vital to the reconciliation process. On September 30, the Town will fly a flag at Town Hall and Whitby Fire Headquarters symbolizing #EveryChildMatters. Flags at all Town facilities will also be flown at half-mast that day. Learn more and get involved in Truth and Reconciliation Initiatives: 

Learn How to be a Good Ally

Becoming an active ally requires listening and learning. On September 30, tune into our social media channels to watch a video of Mayor Elizabeth Roy and Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant from the Turtle Clan from Shawanaga First Nations Reserve, having a conversation about the importance of this day.

Tie an Orange Ribbon

Remember and honour the children lost to residential schools. Ask for a ribbon at any Whitby Public Library location, or place your own. Ribbons will be available September 25–October 7. While you are there be sure to pick up a Truth and Reconciliation card to learn more about the 94 Calls to Action.

Commemorative Orange Crosswalk

Last year, the Town unveiled a commemorative orange crosswalk on the traditional and treaty territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations. This crosswalk is located at the corner of King and Dundas Streets, outside of the Whitby Public Library. With advice and guidance from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, local Indigenous communities and organizations, the Town created this space to honour and remember the children taken and the families left behind. As you pass this crosswalk, take a moment to reflect on the legacy of colonialism and the devastating impact of residential schools.

Wear an #OrangeShirt

On September 30, wear an #OrangeShirt to commemorate the history of residential schools, to honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. If you are purchasing an orange shirt for Orange Shirt Day, please consider supporting an Indigenous community, or buy a shirt from an organization that supports Indigenous groups. Some suggestions include Bawaajigewin - An Aboriginal Community Circle and Nish tees.

Read Indigenous stories

Visit whitby.ca/Diversity to find resources to expand your knowledge of First Nations, the Inuit, and Métis People and browse Whitby Public Library’s Indigenous Canada list to learn more about the history of Canada and the relationship with its Indigenous people.

Attend the Survivors March for Truth and Reconciliation

Join the March on September 22 from 10 a.m. to noon to honour residential school survivors. The March will start at the Pathway to Reconciliation Crosswalk near Durham Regional Headquarters in Whitby. Chief Kelly LaRocca of Scugog Island First Nation will kick off the March, which will proceed along Rossland Road to Fallingbrook Park, where Indigenous community members will lay down tobacco. Register now, or email diversity@durham.ca if the event is sold out.

The Town’s social media channels will be dedicated to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30.

For more information, visit whitby.ca/Diversity.