Acknowledging National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Elgin County

COUNTY OF ELGIN – The federal government is recognizing September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a day committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten. Events and programs are being hosted and/or promoted throughout the County of Elgin and local municipalities to acknowledge the day. These events and programs include:

• Elgin County Library story times and events highlighting Indigenous authors, collections and resources. A comprehensive listing is available here.
  
  
• Promotion of historical resources on residential schools in Canada by Elgin County Museum and Elgin County Archives to help Canadians learn about the truths of the residential school experience, and to listen to survivors, their families and communities affected by the residential school system. These resources include the following:
• https://nctr.ca/research/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FG8SXalxTg
• https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2021/07/28/stories-from-survivors-of-canadas-indigenous-residential-schools
  
  
•  Flying an orange “Every Child Matters” flag at the Elgin County Heritage Centre and municipal buildings. Municipal staff will also be encouraged to wear orange on that day.
  
  
• Events involving local First Nations in West Lorne (9:30am-11:30am) and Dutton (1:00pm-3:00 pm). These events are hosted by the Municipalities of West Elgin and Dutton Dunwich, respectively, and will involve local school children.

“We know we have a long road ahead of us on the journey to true Reconciliation for the tragic policy of residential schools that impacted so many generations of Indigenous Peoples in Canada,” stated Elgin County Warden Tom Marks. “These events on September 30th are at least one sign that the County of Elgin and our municipal partners are committed to taking this journey to promote healing, respect and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.”

For additional information, please contact:
Warden Tom Marks
tmarks@elgin.ca