Truth and Reconciliation
The Town of Aurora is committed to continuing its journey of learning, understanding, and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and residents. All are welcome to attend.
Date - Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Location - Mirkopoulos Plateia (Outdoor Square)
All families are welcome to attend.
The Town of Aurora will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with an evening of learning, reflection, and community gathering at Aurora Town Square. Developed in partnership with members of the Indigenous community, this event provides an opportunity to come together to recognize the truths of Canada's history, honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, acknowledge Survivors and their families, and reflect on our collective responsibility toward reconciliation.
Participants are invited to learn, listen, and engage in meaningful conversations as we continue the journey of understanding and respect.
To learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Report, please visit Aurora Museums and Archives.
Hands On Learning
Time - 5 p.m.
Join us for an interactive community learning experience focused on the Seven Sacred Teachings: Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. These teachings provide guidance for living in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Through storytelling, reflection, and shared learning, participants of all ages are invited to deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and values.
Ceremony & Community Gathering
Time - 6 p.m.
This ceremony and community gathering focuses on remembering the children who did not come home, honouring Residential School Survivors and their families, and acknowledging the lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities. It is an opportunity to come together in reflection, learning, and understanding as we recognize the truths of our shared history and the importance of meaningful reconciliation.
The ceremony will be led by Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody, and Ancestral Knowledge Keeper Raiden Levesque, who will share teachings, reflections, and guidance throughout the gathering. Community members are invited to participate in this respectful and welcoming space that encourages learning, connection, and a commitment to reconciliation.
Together, we honour the past, reflect on the present, and work toward a future built on respect, understanding, and meaningful relationships.
Additional Resources to Assist in Learning
To assist you in learning more please visit any of these sites:
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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.
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