National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

Champlain Township, September 30, 2024 - On Monday, September 30, 2024, the flags at all municipal buildings were flown at half-mast in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This gesture honored the survivors of residential schools, their families, and affected communities, while serving as a reminder of the tragic legacy of these institutions and the importance of ongoing efforts towards reconciliation.

Champlain Township hopes that members of the community took time to reflect on this significant day and to contribute to the ongoing journey of healing, understanding, and respect.

Acknowledgement Statement

We, Champlain Township, are a community located in the rich basin of Kichisìpi - the Big River, where First Peoples have lived, gathered, and prospered since time immemorial.  

We are grateful to our nation’s First Peoples for their cultural stewardship of the Ottawa riverlands and welcome their knowledge and wisdom on matters of community interest.

Champlain Township acknowledges that we are located on the unceded traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People of the Ottawa River.  Furthermore, we acknowledge the lands which we call home have deep spiritual and historical connections to both the Anishinaabe Algonquin Peoples and the Kanienʼkehá:ka Mohawk Peoples of Akwesasne.  Champlain Township is committed to building a strong relationship with these and other Indigenous Nations who call Eastern Ontario home. 

Orange Shirt Day

September 30 is recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day inspired by the story of Indian Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad. Phyllis was 6 years old when she wore her new orange shirt for her first day at residential school. Her shirt was immediately taken from her by school staff.

To honour the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remember those who did not, many Canadians across the country wear an orange shirt.1

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021, marked the first observance of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, following the identification of potential unmarked burial sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

Survivors across Canada have long told stories of the abuse and deaths that took place at these institutions. The announcement from the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation has galvanized nationwide efforts by Indigenous communities to locate their missing children.

Commemorating this day to honour Survivors and increase understanding of the history and legacy of Residential Schools is one step in a long journey towards truth-telling and meaningful reconciliation.1

1 Government of Ontario - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation