Whitby Truth and Reconciliation events will include a free September 25 workshop, an orange-ribbon memorial and municipal service changes around September 30.
The Town of Whitby announced the plans for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 23. The day recognizes residential-school survivors, children who never returned home and the families and communities affected by the system.
Free workshop planned for September 25
Walking Together: A Journey Through Truth, Reconciliation, and Indigenous Experience will take place Friday, September 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the 55+ Recreation Centre, 801 Brock Street South.
Social worker Dr. Peter Menzies will lead the session on colonialism, Indigenous traditions, urban challenges and building partnerships with Indigenous communities. Registration is free using program code 68200.
Residents can also pick up an orange ribbon and a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation card at the Whitby Public Library Central Library, 405 Dundas Street, until October 6. Ribbons can be tied to the fence outside Presse Café as a memorial to children lost to residential schools.
The town also points residents to the commemorative orange crosswalk at King and Dundas streets and encourages people to wear orange on September 30.
Whitby service changes for September 30
Town Hall and the Garden Street Branch will close for in-person and phone service at 4:30 p.m. on September 29 and reopen at 8:30 a.m. on October 1.
All Whitby Public Library locations will be closed September 30, although book returns and digital resources will remain available. Town recreation facilities will stay open.
Waste collection will continue on its regular schedule. Whitby says residents should place garbage, green bins and blue boxes out one day after their usual pickup day and confirm timing through the waste calendar or Waste Buddy app.
The town’s social-media channels will be dedicated to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30.
