Ribbons tied to a fence at the Ska:na Family Learning Centre in Chatham. (Photo by Millar Hill)
Ribbons tied to a fence at the Ska:na Family Learning Centre in Chatham. (Photo by Millar Hill)
Chatham

Chatham-Kent marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Thursday marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, and the Ska:na Family Learning Centre in Chatham has several things planned to observe the day.

Ska:na Family Learning Centre Executive Director Faith Hale said the agency will be honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with an outdoor event at the Chatham Eight Site located at 25 Eighth Street in Chatham. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, September 30.

Hale said Orange Shirt Day will also be recognized at the event. The centre will be selling orange shirts and a portion of the proceeds will go towards Truth and Reconciliation education programs in Chatham-Kent.

"There are a lot of shared services coming together Thursday," said Hale. "There will be indigenous drumming and dancing, information booths, as well as arts and crafts vendors."

In Leamington, the Caldwell First Nation will be walking to remember and honour the lives of those who attended residential schools. The public is asked to meet at the Caldwell Community Hall at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 30. The walk is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.

"There's a lot that is happening," said Hale. "We're only asking people to wear orange or to put something orange on a fence or a door. Everyone can participate."

Walpole Island First Nation will also be holding some special events today. There will be a sacred fire from dawn to dusk, a sunrise ceremony at 7 a.m. Thursday, and a healing dance at 12 p.m. to honour the survivors, children who didn't come home, and all those affected by the residential school system.

Here's what's open and closed in Chatham Kent on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

Municipal services in Chatham-Kent won’t be altered Thursday, September 30.

Flags at all municipal service centres will be lowered to half-staff in special acknowledgement. Employees are being encouraged to participate in a moment of silence at 10 a.m. to honour the day and reflect on its importance to our country.

School boards will remain open across Chatham-Kent, with some schools dedicating the day to educational activities and programs about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Libraries will also be open.

Earlier this month, the Ford government decided it would not recognize the day as a provincial statutory holiday under the Retail Holiday Act. That means retail stores, the LCBO, and The Beer Store will continue to operate during their usual business hours, and public service employees will not get the day off.

However, all federally regulated industries and workplaces will close for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This includes banks as well as public services. Canada Post will also be closed.

Some businesses will also be voluntarily closing on Thursday, September 30 to observe the day.

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