The Municipality of Brockton is voicing its support for the new National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
A release notes as a result of a council meeting on Sept. 14, Brockton passed a motion to support the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, recognizing Sept. 30 as, what is also being noted as, National Orange Shirt Day.
This comes as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada published 94 Calls to Action, to address the impact of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.
Consultations have also been held with Bruce County municipalities and other community partners for a joint effort across the region to be initiated.
As part of the day on Sept. 30, stories of residential school survivors, their families and communities will be shared.
Brockton will implement calls to action including raising the Every Child Matters flag to half-mast, and in future years doing so for the entire month of September, waiving any fees for commissioning name change documents for residential school survivors, and encouraging staff to wear an orange shirt yearly on Sept. 30.
Municipal employees participating in online training will recognize the national day.
Other calls to action include, encouraging staff to continue looking at and identifying any barriers for participation by Indigenous residents and facility users, amending the Heritage Committee mandate in including researching and highlighting the history and legacy of Indigenous and Métis people in the area, and look at highlighting the stories of Indigenous Canadians when creating recreational pamphlets or banners.
Brockton is encouraging residents to share their support for the Indigenous communities by wearing orange on Sept. 30, as well as educate themselves on truth and reconciliation and the advocacy work done by local Indigenous communities.
