Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The City of Belleville will be hosting a special ceremony in Market Square beginning at 11 a.m. to honour this important event.
The ceremony will include remarks from Chief R. Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, musical performances by singer, songwriter, educator and artist from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory Jennifer Brant and husband, Kieran Edwards, as well as a Sacred Fire and special presentation by Fire Keeper Greg Loft. An ASL interpreter will be present for the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange in honour of Orange Shirt Day.
Those unable to attend the event are encouraged to recognize the day in other ways, by educating themselves, supporting local Indigenous organizations or causes, or participating in other events or activities.
Belleville Public Library has developed a variety of displays, book and resource lists, and borrowing collections which will be available in various digital and physical formats for patrons interested in learning more about Indigenous history, Truth and Reconciliation, and the horrific legacy of the Residential Schools in Canada. The Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County have a number of resources online for those interested in learning more about local Indigenous history. More information on Truth and Reconciliation, including the Calls to Action, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Residential School History and more, can be found on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website.
In addition to the Sept. 30 ceremony, the Belleville sign, Bridge Street Bridge and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will be lit in orange for the week. The flag at City Hall will also be lowered to half-staff as we remember and mourn all victims of the residential school system.
“Reconciliation is a shared journey—one that requires open, respectful, and ongoing dialogue,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “Education plays a vital role, but it must be paired with listening, understanding and meaningful connection. I encourage all residents to use this day not only to learn and reflect, but to engage in conversations that deepen our relationships and contribute to our collective path toward truth, healing and reconciliation.”
For more information on the event, visit: Belleville.ca/TruthandRec.
