Flag raising 

Join us at the Civic Centre on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. for a flag raising in partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as the Town acknowledges the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Take part in a morning of prayer, smudging, sacred fire, remembering and learning. Show your support by wearing an orange shirt on Sept. 30.

On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5 received Royal Assent to add a new holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors and their families and communities and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. This day is recognized on Sept. 30 each year. 

The Town encourages everyone to use this day for meaningful contemplation or participation in events commemorating the occasion.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Town of Georgina is committed to Truth and Reconciliation. In partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, meaningful events like flag raisings have been held in 2021 and 2022. These gatherings reflect our Town's passion for healing, understanding and acknowledging the Indigenous history and culture. 

We move forward with Truth and Reconciliation by having compassion for those affected by residential schools and the intergenerational trauma it has caused. It's hard to understand what you don't know, and that's why education is one of the strongest tools for Truth and Reconciliation. If you want to know more about our close neighbours and friends, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, you can visit their website.

If you want to know more about what it was like in the residential schools, watch the NFB documentary "We Were Children" (2012). We all have a part to play in meaningful change toward Truth and Reconciliation. Miigwech.

Indigenous art installations and Every Child Matters crosswalks

In Georgina, Indigenous art holds a special place, weaving a beautiful tapestry of culture, history and resilience. From the stunning sculptures of Nanabush and Old Fox Woman, created by Ron Baird in collaboration with Jared BigCanoe, to Lauri Hoeg's captivating Four Seasons on the Water mural, these artistic expressions celebrate the rich heritage of First Nation communities. The Every Child Matters crosswalks, designed in partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing healing journey for residential school survivors. 

Through these artistic representations, we honour Indigenous voices, promote understanding and forge stronger bonds of Truth and Reconciliation in our community, paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future. 

Land acknowledgement

The Town of Georgina recognizes and acknowledges that we are on lands originally used and occupied by the First Peoples of the Williams Treaties First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples, and on behalf of the Mayor and Council, we would like to thank them for sharing this land. We would also like to acknowledge the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our close neighbour and friend, one with which we strive to build a cooperative and respectful relationship.

We also recognize the unique relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this territory. They are the water protectors and environmental stewards of these lands, and we join them in these responsibilities.

Orange Shirt Day

In 2013, Sept. 30 was declared Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to acknowledge the harm and trauma caused by the residential school system and remind everyone of the impact that is still felt to this day. It is also a day to affirm our commitment to ensure everyone around us matters.

The orange shirt was chosen to represent this day as it references a real orange shirt that was taken from residential school survivor, Phyllis (Jack) Webstad. When Phyllis was six years old, her grandmother prepared her to be sent for her first day at the Mission school. Even though they had very little money, her grandmother took her and bought her a brand-new outfit. Phyllis picked out a shiny orange shirt. She was so proud and excited. When she got to school, they stripped her and took away her clothes, including her new orange shirt. She never saw it again and no one cared about how upset it made her. The colour orange came to symbolize for her, how she was made to feel that her feelings didn’t matter, and no one cared for her as she was worth nothing. Phyllis’s orange shirt is a symbol of the loss of worth, culture, identity, community, family and even life, which Indigenous children faced because of residential schools.

2023 Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Pow Wow 

The Town of Georgina was honoured to participate in the 2023 Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Pow Wow on Sept. 23 and 24. Both days were beautiful and seeing so many families enjoying this lovely weekend was fantastic. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with residents and visitors while supporting our Indigenous communities. We thank the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation for allowing us to take part in such a meaningful occasion.

Learn about Truth and Reconciliation

Visit the Government of Canada website to learn more about how it’s working to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day at Georgina Public Library

Join Georgina Public Library on Sept. 30, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Keswick branch, as it recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Everyone is welcome to participate in a reading of "Phyllis's Orange Shirt," followed by cultural teachings from Jake Charles of First Nation Cultural Tours. This event is presented in partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and co-sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Mental health supports available

Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to the Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.

Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.