It’s Truth and Reconciliation week, and Monday, September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to honour and raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools and to honour the thousands of Survivors and their communities. The Orange Shirt represents the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children of generations. To commemorate this day, the Town of Golden has raised the Survivors’ Flag in Spirit Square. The flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors.
- Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation here: https://bit.ly/2XSEBQY
- Learn more about Orange Shirt Day at orangeshirtday.org
Golden is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc people and is the chosen home of the Métis Nation Columbia River Society and other diverse Indigenous people.
The Town of Golden recognizes and acknowledges the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools and honours the Survivors, their families and communities. Earlier this year, Town Council adopted their strategic priorities for 2024-2027. One of Council’s corporate-wide priorities is Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, with a focus on training, purposeful regional engagement, acknowledgement, and consultation. You can learn more about Council’s strategic priorities at golden.ca/council
Please note that Town Hall and the Mount 7 Rec Plex will be closed on Monday, September 30 in honour of the statutory holiday.
Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Here are some resources to stay informed and get involved:
- Learn about Indigenous history in the Golden area: https://www.tourismgolden.com/about/indigenous-peoples
- Participate in online events and educational programs hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Commission: https://trw-svr.nctr.ca/
- Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action: https://bit.ly/3wKDOhJ
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/
- Resources from the Government of Canada: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1621447127773/
- Indigenous Canada – a free 12-lesson course from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies: https://www.coursera.org/learn/indigenous-canada