Today, September 30, marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Mayor Don Mitchell has issued the following statement to recognize the day:

“Today, as we remember and honour the many children lost, the residential school survivors, and their families, Town Hall will be lit up orange tonight, and we have both lowered all flags to half-mast and raised one to represent #EveryChildMatters. As a country and a Town, we recognize the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and important opportunity the day provides to listen, learn, and grow. I encourage every resident to reflect on the purpose and importance of this day. Public 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. 

Whether it’s joining me, Whitby Council, and Town of Whitby staff by wearing an orange shirt in honour of #EveryChildMatters, tying an orange ribbon while remembering the lives lost¸ or taking a moment to reflect while walking across the Town’s new orange crosswalk at the corner of King and Dundas Streets – these visual reminders are important to the Truth and Reconciliation work that must continue across Canada. The Town remains committed to our own Truth and Reconciliation efforts and an inclusive, diverse, and equitable Whitby.”

For more information, including educational resources, visit whitby.ca/Diversity.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Erin Mikaluk, Manager, Communications and Creative Services
Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca