Township of Russell to Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

At the Council meeting on September 7th, 2021, Council voted to recognize September 30, 2021 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the Township of Russell. Read reconciliation stories on Reconciliation Canada's website.

Read the full resolution below.

Municipal Recognition of September 30th as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

WHEREAS the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report on June 2, 2015, which included 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation;

AND WHEREAS the recent discoveries of remains and unmarked graves across Canada have led to increased calls for all levels of government to address the recommendations in the TRC’s Calls to Action;

AND WHEREAS all Canadians and all orders of government have a role to play in reconciliation;

AND WHEREAS Recommendation #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process;

AND WHEREAS the Federal Government has announced September 30th, 2021, as the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day) and a statutory holiday;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Russell does hereby commit to recognizing September 30th, 2021, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day) by sharing the stories of residential school survivors, their families, and communities.