Tie an orange ribbon in Oshawa on Truth and Reconciliation Day

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter is inviting residents to wear an orange shirt September 30 and to tie an orange ribbon at one of five locations in the city to honour the children who lived through the residential school era and those who were lost.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a day to learn about and remember the tragic history of the residential school system, and also acknowledge the painful legacy that continues to affect Indigenous peoples in Canada today.

“Truth must come before reconciliation. All of us must take the initiative to seek out our own learning of the past and present day relationships between Canadians and Indigenous peoples,” Carter said, adding that people need to commit to reconciliation not just on September 30 “but every day.”

“Take time out to learn about how the legacy of the residential school system continues to negatively affect generations of Indigenous families.”

The establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was in response to the 80th call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, with recognition of the harms caused by residential schools remaining a vital part of the reconciliation process.

Orange Ribbon Locations:

• North – Walter Beath Parkette, 1 Columbus Road East
• South – Lakeview Park, 55 Lakeview Park Avenue
• East – Delpark Homes Centre, 1661 Harmony Road North
• West – Civic Recreation Complex, 99 Thornton Road South
• Central – Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre Street South

The City of Oshawa is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.