Here’s how to honour and remember the history of Indigenous peoples in Oakville

Learning about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada is one of the main goals of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day and the Town of Oakville has several ways local residents can do that.

“As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I urge all residents to take the time to reflect on the lasting impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

“This day serves as a reminder of the trauma and oppression faced by generations and the ongoing need for healing and understanding. At the Town, we are committed to taking concrete steps to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Through reflection and learning, we can create a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels respected and valued.”

Here are some of the ways to recognize Sept. 30 and delve deeper into the rich and diverse culture of Indigenous peoples.

Wear an orange shirt to raise awareness about the intergenerational impact and trauma residential schools have had on Indigenous communities and consider making a donation to the Orange Shirt Society to support their work in commemorating the residential school experience and fostering reconciliation.

Explore the Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project, a travelling exhibition which provides an opportunity to better understand the past and present Treaty relationships in what is now Oakville. It will be on display at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre Sept. 21 and 22, Oakville Museum from Sept. 24 to 27 and Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts Sept. 30.

Discover the history of the area known today as Lions Valley Park at Knox Presbyterian Church Sixteen, 1150 Dundas St., Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tune in to the Truth and Reconciliation live session from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sept. 30, available on the Grandmother’s Voice YouTube channel.

Join in for the Gathering and Ceremony to Remember the Children from noon to 1 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Oakville Museum.

Attend a performance by singer/songwriter and inspirational speaker Lacey Hill, featuring Derek Miller, Kristen McKay and James Wilson Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. For complimentary tickets, visit the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts website. Take part in the Drumming, Singing and Moments of Reflection community gathering from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Sept. 30 before the Lacey Hill performance.

Celebrate Indigenous heritage and culture while creating a visual reminder to recognize and honour the past by participating in a Moccasin Identifier activity at Centennial Square, 120 Navy St., Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.

Visit Oakville’s first orange crosswalk at Thomas and Church streets and watch Oakville Understanding Reconciliation with Sherry Saevil to learn about its importance.

Enjoy a walk along the Moccasin Trails and explore the history of the lands from an Indigenous perspective. Follow the Moccasin Trails signs along Bronte Creek Heritage Trail beginning at Rebecca Street and Mississaga Street, and along Sixteen Mile Creek Inner Valley to Dundas Street West at Lions Valley.

Visit Tannery Park and explore the First Nations history wall and Moccasin Identifier, built to promote public awareness of significant cultural historic sites and the ancestral presence of First Nations, Métis and Indigenous communities.

Explore the Oakville Public Library’s Truth and Reconciliation page for book recommendations and more information.

In addition to these activities, the ‘Every Child Matters’ orange flag will be flown at Town Hall starting Sept. 26 and lowered to half-mast on Sept. 30. The lights at Town Hall and the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts will also be lit orange during the week of September 23.

For more information, visit the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation page.