How to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Waterloo region and Guelph
Monday is Canada's fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and there are a number of events planned in Waterloo region, Guelph and Wellington County over the weekend and on Monday to mark it.
The day is for honouring and remembering children who died, as well as those who survived, in residential schools. It's a time to reflect on the families and communities still affected by lasting trauma.
In conjunction, Orange Shirt day is an Indigenous-led initiative to raise awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools. All Canadians are encouraged to wear orange on Monday.
Many local groups are holding events to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation over the weekend and on Monday.
Gidinawendamin/Ska'nikú•lát annual Pow Wow
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
University of Waterloo, Columbia Icefield
In its 21st year, this free event is hosted by the Shatitsirótha' Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre and the University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations.
It will feature dancers, music, art, food and various vendors and it's open to the community. The Grand Entry will take place at 12 p.m.
Reconciliation Walk 2024 in Guelph
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Riverside Park
The Rotary Club of Guelph and True North Aid have created a free educational walk with reading stations along a wooded trail. The walk takes approximately 1 hour to complete and is accessible anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear orange shirts.
Sacred Fire and Vigil
Sunday, 7 p.m.
Willow River/Victoria Park, Kitchener
O:se Kenhionhata:tie is a group formed for Two Spirit, queer, trans or non-binary Indigenous young people and are hosting this event for anyone who wishes to "honour those who never made it home and those who did." They ask attendees to bring a blanket or chairs, a candle and to wear orange.
Sunrise ceremony and gathering
Monday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
B.C. Matthews Hall Green, University of Waterloo
The day will begin with a sunrise ceremony, followed by an Indigenous gathering Space opening and commitment polishing ceremony.
There will be a walk around Ring Road at 11 a.m., followed by a soup and bannock lunch with drumming and dancing. People are asked to register ahead of the event.
Anishnabeg Outreach's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event
Monday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1160 Spitzig Road, Woolwich
AO is back with Sustainable Waterloo Region, Home Depot and others to finish the planting and mulching of the edible micro-forest they started last year. Home Depot will host a barbecue in the afternoon.
The Healing of the Seven Generations #EveryChildMatters walk
Monday, 10 a.m.
300 Frederick St., Kitchener, Ont.
The Healing of the Seven Generations is hosting "a walk to remember and honour all our children" starting at their location and heading down Victoria Park, ending at the clock tower. There will be drumming and speakers afterwards.
Walk for Reconciliation
Monday, 10 a.m.
University of Guelph
People are asked to gather at the Maada'oonidiwag sculpture and walk to Branion Plaza, where the campus community will honour families, children and communities with words from survivors and reflections on reconciliation.
There will also be a drop-in support available at their Indigenous Support Centre from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Stories They Never Heard Memorial Walk
Monday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Schmidt Woods, Wilmot Recreation Complex
A memorial walk is being held by the Township of Wilmot, Indigenous Women's healing Circle, Wilmot Family Resource Centre and Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School. Attendees should bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on during this event.
Participants are encouraged to register for free so that organizers can plan for refreshments.
Roots to Reconciliation: Songs and Stories with Rene Meshake
Monday, 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Guelph Civic Museum
Rene Meshake is an Anishinaabe elder, visual and performing artist, author, flute player, storyteller and new media artist. His experiences as a residential school survivor lead him to create a "reflective journey with his Pipigwan (flute), drums and storytelling."
The event will last 60 minutes with a short break and is free and open to the public.
Orange Shirt Day March
Monday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Civic Square (50 Dickson Street) and 27 Cambridge Street
Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre, K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project and Crow Shield Lodge are hosting their 4th annual Truth and Reconciliation event.
A march from Civic Square to K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project will end with a sacred fire, drumming performances and a candlelit moment of silence.
Waterloo and Kitchener Public Library
Both Waterloo and Kitchener Public Library have created reading lists and resources in honour of the day that can be found below.
Kitchener Public Library is also host to an ongoing art installation, #hopeandhealingCanada, by Tracey-Mae Chambers. The piece is meant to approach the subject of decolonization and will stay up until Oct. 31, 2024.
Follow CBC's coverage of the day
CBC has an extensive lineup of Indigenous-led original programming showcasing First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences across all platforms and in a live special.
Ottawa will be hosting a 90-minute ceremony from Parliament Hill to honour residential schools survivors, their families and their communities. This includes the program Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Did we miss an event? Let us know so we can add it.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419.
Mental health counselling and crisis support is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.
