National Truth and Reconciliation Day

The City of North Bay will observe the upcoming second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

To commemorate the day, the City will be raising an Every Child Matters flag at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Leger Square. 

The federal government passed legislation in June that designated Sept. 30 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to recognize the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. This federal statutory holiday was created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

The City will respect National Truth and Reconciliation Day as a statutory holiday, which means City Hall and other administrative offices and facilities will be closed. Transit will follow its regular schedule and garbage and recycling collection will occur.

There are many ways to reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to learn about the impacts of the residential school system in Canada.  Whether attending a community event or marking the day in your own way, residents are encouraged you to wear an orange shirt on this day to help spread awareness.

Wear Orange

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

Ceremonies and Events

• Thursday, September 29 | Every Child Matters flag will be raised at Leger Square outside City Hall 
• A Day of Learning and Support, September 30, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. – North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre | Schedule of events 
• Debwewin minwa aanji Nankiing giizhgat (Truth and Reconciliation Day) - Nbisiing Secondary School @ 6:45 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Schedule of events
• Nipissing University events:
  • Orange Shirt Day Candlelight Vigil - NUSU Student Centre Courtyard - September 29 at 6:00 p.m.

Background

Immediate Support

• The Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
  Available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience.

Working towards reconciliation

As part of the City's efforts to recognize and support the importance of Truth and Reconciliation and in recognition and out of respect for the people of Nipissing Nation, their heritage and culture and their connection to the lands on which the City of North Bay is located, an official naming ceremony was held on Sept. 22, 2022 for Shabogesic Beach. The ceremony included the unveiling of a monument in honor of Nbisiing Nation Chief Michel Zhaabgiizhik (Shabogesic), for whom the beach has been renamed.