Truth and Reconciliation

The Town of Aurora is proud to be taking steps like to renew and strengthen its relationship with Indigenous communities and residents.

Date - Friday, September 30, 2022
Time - 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location - Aurora Town Park (49 Wells Street)

The Town will honour the National Day Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 in Town Park. This is a time to remember the children who did not come home, those who have lived as survivors and their families. It is important to recognize and commemorate the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools and the trauma experienced by so many.

There will be a community activity starting at 5:30 p.m. with attendees being able to make an orange handprint onto picnic tables which will be placed at various parks. Then join us for an evening of learning, meaningful reflection and a sacred fire at 6 p.m. Ceremony and gathering led by Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody, Ancestral Knowledge Keeper Raiden Levesque and Shining Waters Drum.

The Aurora Cultural Centre will be hosting a ceremonial gathering in Town Park starting at 3 p.m. More details regarding this gathering can be found at auroraculturalcentre.ca/ndtr2022

To learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Report, please visit Aurora Museums and Archives.

Additional Resources to Assist in Learning

To assist you in learning more please visit any of these sites:

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to educate Canadians about the history of residential schools and to honour the survivors, their families and communities. September 30 is also being celebrated as Orange Shirt Day, which started to commemorate the experience of Phyllis Webstad who at six years old was stripped of her new orange shirt on her first day of attending the St. Joseph Mission Residential School near Williams Lake, BC.

Canadian Residential School History:

A brief history of Canada and the Residential School System imposed on the Indigenous people of Canada.  Timeline from early European contact through to the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2010. 

More information

For more information please email or call the Special Events line at 905-726-4762