The Mayor has proclaimed September 30, 2024 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in the Town of Smiths Falls.

The Town of Smiths Falls is proud to announce a community ceremony in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Members of the community and guests are warmly invited to join us on Monday, September 30th, at 5:00 PM.

In acknowledgement of this, the Bandstand at Town Square will be illuminated in orange on September 29th to October 6th, the Every Child Matters flag will be raised at Lower Reach Park for this period and the Town will host a Community Ceremony to honour the children who never returned home, and survivors of residential schools.

“In recognizing the profound and painful history that Indigenous peoples in our nation have endured, we, as Canadians, bear a shared moral responsibility to deepen our understanding and commitment to reconciliation," said Mayor Shawn Pankow. "As we mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are grateful for the opportunity to come together with the Indigenous community to honor and reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools. Our dedication to truth and reconciliation is a year-round commitment.”

Members of the community and guests are invited to gather at Centennial Park on Monday, September 30th, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Participants will embark on a community walk to Duck Island, where we will officially open the newly installed Healing Circle. This space is intended to foster understanding, healing, and connection among all community members.

The ceremony will begin with a Land Acknowledgement and opening remarks from Mayor Shawn Pankow, followed by a heartfelt address from Tim Bisaillon, a member of the Indigenous community who will share his personal experiences as a descendant of residential school survivors.

We encourage everyone to attend this important event as we come together to honor the past, acknowledge the ongoing impacts of residential schools, and commit ourselves to the path of reconciliation.

Details
Date: Monday, September 30th, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Centennial Park, Smiths Falls Activities: Community walk to Duck Island, opening of the Healing Circle, Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony

Everyone is welcome to join us in this significant commemoration.

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Media Contact
Joanne Plontz
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8
613-283-4124 ext. 1122
communications@smithsfalls.ca