Photo: Town of Perth
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal holiday addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80.
This day also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots initiative aimed at raising awareness of the lasting impacts of Residential Schools.
An Orange Shirt Day Ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. on September 30 at the Healing Circle in Last Duel Park, hosted by the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth & Reconciliation. The event will feature local Indigenous Elders leading a Pipe Ceremony and drumming.
Later in the week, the annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil will be held on October 4 at 4:30 p.m. at the same location. This vigil honors Indigenous women, gender-diverse, Two-Spirit, and transgender individuals who have been murdered or gone missing.
For Indigenous individuals in need of support, the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419.
