Northumberland County raises ‘Every Child Matters’ flag ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Cobourg, ON – September 27, 2021 – Northumberland County has today raised the orange ‘Every Child Matters’ flag on the community flagpole at 555 Courthouse Road, leading up to the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021.
At the September 15 meeting of County Council, Council proclaimed September 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Northumberland County and committed to raising the ‘Every Child Matters’ flag from September 27 to October 1. County headquarters at 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg will also be lit up in orange lights the evening of September 30 in recognition of this day.
The federal government has designated September 30 as an annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in response to Call-to-Action 80 in the final report of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This Call-to-Action calls upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish a statutory holiday to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation builds upon the Orange Shirt Day movement; a day where Canadians wear orange to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacy of the residential school system in Canada. Orange Shirt Day grew out of the story of one survivor, Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school.
“Establishing a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ensures public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of Canada’s reconciliation process with Indigenous Peoples,” states County Warden Bob Crate.
“This is a solemn day of reflection about the children, families and communities who were so dramatically affected by the policies and practices of the residential school system, and the impacts that continue to be felt today. As we mark this first day of commemoration, Northumberland County remains committed to taking meaningful action toward reconciliation and deepening our knowledge of this history, and the history and contributions of the traditional keepers of this land.”
For more information about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
