Lincoln, ON – (September 25, 2023) – Several activities are taking place in Lincoln to further understanding and knowledge concerning National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 and as a step towards responding to the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action.
The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a crucial component of the reconciliation process.
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family, and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On September 30, we encourage all those in Lincoln and across Canada to wear orange to honour the thousands of residential school survivors.
The Every Child Matters flag will be raised at Lincoln Town Hall beginning September 29 until October 3. Town Hall will be lit orange the nights of September 29 and September 30.
The Lincoln Pelham Public Library (LPPL) is hosting several free learning opportunities with Indigenous partners. See the below activities planned in Lincoln:
- Virtual Author Talk with Andrew Stobo-Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson, authors of Valley of the Birdtail, on Monday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. Register on-site at the library, by phone at (905) 563-7014 or online.
- Community Weaving, led by Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers, in partnership with the BIA, which will include an artist talk on September 26, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. outside by the Every Child Matters statue at the Fleming Centre (drop-in; no registration required).
- Book displays for children, teens, and adults in the LPPL branches, plus some passive activity sheets for children.
The Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre is selling orange shirt pins for $12. A portion of the proceeds supports the Survivors Society. Visit lincolnmuseum.ca/visit for locations and hours of operation.
The Town of Lincoln is within the Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. It is part of the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Hatiwendaronk, and the Anishinaabe. Many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people from across Turtle Island live and work in Lincoln today.
Links and Resources:
- To learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report’s 94 Calls to Action, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Follow Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre on social media for educational resources and links to local Indigenous-led events:
- Follow Lincoln Pelham Public Library on social media for updates on free learning opportunities with Indigenous partners:
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
Direct: 905-563-2799 ext. 230
Tel: 905-563-8205