Truth and Reconciliation

The Town will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30 at Aurora Town Square. This gathering has been developed through partnership with the Town of Aurora, Aurora Cultural Centre, and members of the Indigenous community.

This day is focused on the Truths and meaningful steps toward Reconciliation. The Town of Aurora encourages you to join in the Ceremony and Community Gathering focusing on the truths. The Aurora Cultural Centre also welcomes you to join in the reconciliation efforts. By participating in both gatherings, it is hoped to create a more wholesome experience.

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

Ceremony and Community Gathering

Time - 5:30 p.m.
Outdoor Square
Families welcome

This evening gathering focuses on remembering the children who did not come home, those who have lived as survivors and their families. It is important to recognize and commemorate the difficult history of residential schools, their ongoing legacy and the trauma experienced by so many. This evening will provide the opportunity to learn, to have a safe space for meaningful reflection and a sacred fire starting at 5:30 p.m. Ceremony and gathering led by Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody, Ancestral Knowledge Keeper Raiden Levesque and Spoken Word Poet Sarah Lewis.

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 & Contact

For more information, please call 905-726-4762 or email our Special Events Team.

Note: We reserve the right to cancel, amend or change activities.