Newmarket is recognizing Truth and Reconciliation Day with a ceremony at Fairy Lake Park Sept. 30.
The town will mark the day for the third consecutive year, inviting the community to join in a time of reflection. The event will feature Kim Wheatley, Shawanaga First Nation Reserve Anishinaabe Ojibway Grandmother and Turtle clan member, to offer words, perform hand drumming and prayers.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said it is a tremendously meaningful day in Newmarket and Canada.
“On this day, and every day, we need to remember and reflect on our past — the very painful and tragic history of the residential school system and the unimaginable impact this has had on Indigenous communities,” Taylor said in a news release.
The nationally recognized day, also Orange Shirt Day, honours the children who survived residential schools and those who did not. The orange shirt tradition continues, relating the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her.
The Canadian government aligned Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day in 2021.
The town urges everyone to wear orange on Sept. 30 to raise awareness and honour both children whose lives were lost and survivors.
“The Town of Newmarket remains strongly committed to our journey of Truth and Reconciliation,” the town said in a news release.
“We need to continue to come together to do more, do better and to create a path forward with Truth and Reconciliation leading the way,” Taylor said.
The town event will be Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. The amphitheatre can be accessed by walking along the Tom Taylor Trail, with parking nearby along Cane Parkway or at the municipal offices at 395 Mulock Dr.
