The City of Belleville has announced it is hosting a special ceremony at Market Square to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
There will be remarks from Chief R. Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, musical performances by singer, songwriter, educator and artist from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory Jennifer Brant and husband, Kieran Edwards, as well as a Sacred Fire and special presentation by Fire Keeper Greg Loft.
Attendees are encouraged to wear orange for Orange Shirt Day.
The ceremony takes place on September 30 at 11 a.m.
In addition to the ceremony, the Belleville sign, Bridge Street Bridge and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will be lit in orange for the week.
The flag at City Hall will also be lowered to half-staff to remember and mourn all victims of the residential school system.
The city is encouraging those who are unable to attend the ceremony to recognize the day in other ways.
The following was provided by the city in a media release.
“Belleville Public Library has developed a variety of displays, book and resource lists, and borrowing collections which will be available in various digital and physical formats for patrons interested in learning more about Indigenous history, Truth and Reconciliation, and the horrific legacy of the Residential Schools in Canada. The Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County have a number of resources online for those interested in learning more about local Indigenous history. More information on Truth and Reconciliation, including the Calls to Action, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Residential School History and more, can be found on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website.”
“Reconciliation is a shared journey—one that requires open, respectful, and ongoing dialogue,” said Mayor Neil Ellis in the release.
“Education plays a vital role, but it must be paired with listening, understanding and meaningful connection. I encourage all residents to use this day not only to learn and reflect, but to engage in conversations that deepen our relationships and contribute to our collective path toward truth, healing and reconciliation.”
More information on the event can be found by visiting the city’s website.
A 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for former residential school students. Emotional crisis referral services can be accessed by calling: 1-866-925-4419. Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
