Oshawa residents will have several ways to mark the Oshawa Truth and Reconciliation observance this month, including orange-ribbon memorials and a Survivors’ Flag ceremony at City Hall.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day fall on Wednesday, September 30. The day honours residential-school Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.
The federal commemoration responds to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Flag ceremony planned for September 28
Oshawa’s Survivors’ Flag raising and an artist talk are scheduled for Monday, September 28 at 2 p.m. in Civic Square at City Hall.
Following the ceremony, Indigenous artist David Beaucage Johnson will discuss his work Aashawaa. The artwork is expected to be displayed at City Hall for up to 18 months and used on land-acknowledgement signage at City facilities.
The Survivors’ Flag will remain raised at City Hall until October 9. The City notes that residential-school Survivors from across Canada helped select the elements represented on the flag.
Orange-ribbon memorials located across Oshawa
Residents may bring an orange ribbon and tie it at one of the City’s memorial sites. Locations include Columbus Community Centre, Delpark Homes Centre, Lakeview Park near the playground and splash pad, Civic Recreation Complex, Oshawa City Hall and Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle.
Additional memorial locations are available at several Durham District School Board sites. The City says the ribbon installations will remain available until October 9.
Orange Shirt Day grew from the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her when she entered residential school as a child. The day now centres the message that Every Child Matters and calls for reflection on the residential-school system and its continuing effects.
Oshawa encourages residents to wear orange on September 30 and to learn from Indigenous-led resources and events. Anyone buying an orange shirt is encouraged to support Indigenous creators or organizations that return proceeds to Indigenous initiatives.
The Orange Garden for Reconciliation at Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park provides a year-round place for learning, reflection and commemoration.
