September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read on to learn about these days, how the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is honouring them, community events, and where to learn more.

We would like to have a strong presence at Municipal partnership events. If you are interested in participating or helping at an event, please contact your Supervisor about what arrangements can be made (see Events section). We are especially looking for volunteers at the Healing Walk & Gathering September 30th.

Contact your DEIJ Champion or the DEIJ Coordinator for more details DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447

About Orange Shirt Day

The Orange Shirt Day movement was started by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a member of Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation and residential school Survivor. As she prepared to go to residential school at six years old, Phyllis's grandmother bought her a new orange shirt. When she arrived at the school, the shirt was taken from her. For Phyllis, the shirt represented her experience at residential school, and the neglect and harm children faced. Today, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led, commemorative day to reflect, learn, and raise awareness about the inter-generational impacts of residential schools. September 30th was chosen because it's the time of year children would be taken from their home to residential schools.

Learn more about Orange Shirt Day from the Orange Shirt Society or read the book Phyllis's Orange Shirt.

About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 2021 as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This is a day to lean in, listen, and learn about the ongoing impacts of colonization, including residential schools. It's a day to learn the 'truth' of our shared history, but also about how we can create pathways towards reconciliation and healing in our personal and professional lives.

Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day on the Government of Canada website.

Honouring Truth & Reconciliation at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent

The Municipality is partnering on several community events to honour Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We encourage staff to participate in these events as able, learn, and reflect. More details in the 'Events' section below.

September 30th is a great time to commit to learning year-round. Resources to support learning are included in the 'Learn' section below.

September 2024 DEIJ Lunch & Learn

Join Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit member Lana Parenteau for an orange pin workshop on September 18th, 12:10-1:00 PM at the Chatham Branch of CK Public Library. Open to all municipal employees. To register or for more information contact DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 225.312.2023 x. 2447

Time Off from Work

Although September 30th is a federally recognized Statutory holiday, it is not by the government of Ontario. All Municipal services and programs are operating. If you need time away to honour the day, please make arrangements with your Supervisor to use lieu time or another arrangement.

Supports

You are not alone. Reach out if you need support.

Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help 24/7 to all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 1.855.242.3310 (toll free) or online chat www.hopeforwellness.ca

National Residential School Crisis Line provides 24/7 crisis support to former Residential School students and their families. 1.866.925.4419 (toll free)

Employee and Family Assistance Program: Available to all municipal employees and their dependents. Learn more from Telus Health or call 1.844.880.9142 (toll free).

Find additional supports on the Downie Wenjack website.

Municipal Flags

The National Truth & Reconciliation Survivors' flag will be raised at the Civic Centre on Thursday, September 26th. See event details below.

To commemorate National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Municipal flags at all Municipal buildings will be lowered on September 30th.

Orange Shirts

We encourage colleagues to wear orange to events and on September 30th to show support for Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation. Any orange shirt or orange shirt pin works. If you prefer to purchase items specifically for the day from local Indigenous vendors, please reach out to the DEIJ Coordinator for suggestions. DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 225.312.2023 x. 2447

Note: Orange shirts can be worn throughout the year to show support for the cause.

Events

Below is a list of some of the events happening in Chatham-Kent. We hope colleagues will participate, as able, to continue learning.

If you are interested in participating or helping out at the Municipal events where help is needed, please contact your Supervisor to determine what arrangements can be made.

For more information or to share other events, contact the DEIJ Coordinator DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447

People are encouraged to wear orange at all events. Everyone is welcome at all events, unless otherwise noted.

Thank you to the divisions and colleageus who are partnering to offer many of these events.

Saturday, September 14, 2024, 10:00 AM, Takwihleew Orange Shirt Pin Workshop, Imagination Station, CK Museum

Partnership between CK Museums and Come Together CK. Sponsored by Mainstreet Credit Union.

Registration required via the municipal website or 519.360.1998.

Monday, September 16,2024, 1:00 - 4:00 PM Sacred Fire, CKHA Chatham Riverscape

Hosted by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Department. Hold space to remember and honour the children who are still missing and did not return home from Residential Schools and Day Schools, to honour the Survivors of these institutions, and to understand the intergenerational impacts that continue to affect Indigenous Peoples today.

All are welcome. Drop-in with speakers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you wish to sit.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 7:00PM, Moon Teachings, Deshkan Ziiibi, 495 King St W

Behind the Coach House, at fire.

Learn about BIINAAKWE GIIZIS, Falling Leaves Moon.

This is around a fire. Bring a lawn chair and dress for outdoors. Bring a glass jar with a lid (optional) to gather energy from the Moon..

Visit www.7gicfc.org for more information

Friday, September 20, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sacred Fire, CKHA Wallaceburg Front Lawn

Hosted by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Department. Hold space to remember and honour the children who are still missing and did not return home from Residential Schools and Day Schools, to honour the Survivors of these institutions, and to understand the intergenerational impacts that continue to affect Indigenous Peoples today.

All are welcome. Drop-in with speakers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you wish to sit.

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00 AM Takwihleew Orange Shirt Pin Workshop, Wallaceburg Branch, CK Public Library

Partnership between CK Public Library, CK Museums and Come Together CK. Sponsored by Mainstreet Credit Union.

Registration required via the municipal website or 519.360.1998.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM GINDAASDAA Circle, 495 King St W and Online

A book club focusing on Indigenous authors who have written about Indigenous Knowledge, Reconciliation, and Worldviews. There is a recommended reading list available. One book is chosen to read, review, and discuss in bi-monthly Gindaasdaa Circle meetings. September book is Me Tomorrow: Indigenous Views on the Future compiled and edited by Drew Hayden Taylor.

All Welcome. Contact Naomi at naomi@skanaflc.com to register.

GINDAASDAA means 'looking at something together and learning from it' in the Ojibwe language.

This meeting will also happen with virtual attendees at River Bookshop in Amherstburg.

Thursday, September 26, 2024, 12:00 PM Flag Raising, Civic Centre, Chatham

Come together as a community to learn about and raise the Truth & Reconciliation Survivors' flag and learn about local initiatives to support Reconcli-ACTION in Chatham-Kent.

Orange shirts and orange shirt cookies will be available for purchase in support of local Indigenous-led and reconciliation-related programs.

Friday, September 27, 2024, 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM, Rise-N-Shine, Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King St W, Chatham

7:00 AM Sunrise teachings. 7:30 AM Morning stretches. 8:00 AM Breakfast snack.

Behind the Coach House.

Friday, September 27, 2024, 10:00 AM Orange Shirt Day Stories & Activities, Chatham Branch, CK Public Library

Join the CK Public Library & Ska:na Family Learning Centre for stories and activities to recognize and support Orange Shirt Day. Drop-in. Best suited for children 0-5 years of age.

Monday, September 30, 2024, 10:30 AM Healing Walk and Gathering, Wallaceburg

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Contact DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447

Walk starts at Wallaceburg Library Branch 209 James St. Gathering at Civic Square Park to follow.

Walk together and listen to guest speakers share their experiences and ideas about how we can heal.

Note: Survivors will share experiences of residential schools.

Partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Walpole Island First Nation Giyakiishchigewin program.

Monday, September 30, 2024, 12:00 - 5:00 PM Orange Shirt Pin Drop-In, Tilbury Branch, CK Public Library

Drop in at the CK Public Library Tilbury Branch to make your own orange shirt pint. No registration required.

Monday, September 30 - Saturday, October 5, 2024, Orange Shirt Pin Drop-In, Wheatley Branch, CK Public Library

Drop in at the CK Public Library Wheatley Branch during open hours this week to make your own orange shirt pint. No registration required.

Thursday, October 10, 2024, Homelands, Chatham Capitol Theatre

Partnership with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. Performance by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre.

A celebration of life and nature in Indigenous dance! Embark on a mesmerizing journey through time and connection with Homelands, choreographed by renowned Six Nations of the Grand River artist Santee Smith. This award-winning multimedia performance explores the timeless kinship between Indigenous women and their lands and waterways, in a striking fusion of video projection, live dance and music.

A morning performance for school groups is also available: please contact Cortnee Goure at cortnee.goure@sccdsb.net or 519-627-6762 x10231 for more information or to register your class.

Learn

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action Number 57 calls upon all levels of governments (including municipal) to:

provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

September 30th is a great time to commit to learning year-round. Resources to support learning are included below. This list is not comprehensive but is meant as a starting place.

Listen:

A Day to Listen (September 30th)

Tune in to your favourite local radio station to learn about Indigenous arts and cultures, and how you can #DoSomething. Learn more from the Downie & Wenjack Fund website.

Watch:

Orange Shirt Day

Learn about the origins of Orange Shirt Day through this Youtube video by the Orange Shirt Society.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Lunch and Learns (September 23-27)

Open to anyone, five different webinars are offered throughout the week covering everything from the history and impacts of residential school, unconscious bias, to frameworks for how to move towards reconciliation. Learn more from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation Live Broadcast (September 30 2024, 3PM)

Broadcasted live on APTN and supporting broadcasters. The NCTR website will be updated with information closer to the event.

Where are our Children? Legacy of Hope Foundation

Read:

Residential Schools Timeline

A visual timeline of residential schools in Canada. Find it on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

Drafted from consultations with residential schools survivors and family members across the Canada. Recommendations are directed at individuals, organizations, and all levels of government. Read the Calls to Action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

CK Road to Understanding Indigenous Cultures

Learn about local First Nations, relationships with government, and Treaties. Find the resource on the Living CK website. Hard copies of this resource are available by contacting the DEIJ Coordinator DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447

FCM Resources

Federation of Municipalities of Ontario Reconciliation Resources.

Understanding and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

AMO Resources for Municipal - Indigenous Relationships

View resources and information from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website.

The Witness Blanket

Explore items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings accompanied by the voices of Survivors. Visit The Witness Blanket website.

Training:

The following organizations offer training to meet Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 57 (see above):

Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (fee based)

Indigenous Corporate Training (fee based)

4 Seasons of Reconciliation (fee based)

University of Alberta Indigenous Canada course (free)