Grey County announced they will join the Federal Government and many municipalities across Ontario in recognizing September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Council passed the motion at the September 9 Committee of the Whole meeting and it was approved by County Council on September 23.
To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the victims and survivors of residential schools, Grey County will lower flags to half-mast and fly the Every Child Matters flag.
In addition to officially recognizing September 30, Grey County is developing a permanent display at Grey Roots Museum and Archives. It will feature the County’s land acknowledgement and a series of maps illustrating the traditional land use of Indigenous peoples and changes to their territory brought about by the colonial treaty process.
“Formally recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important step in Grey County’s journey towards reconciliation with local Indigenous peoples. All Canadians and all levels of government have a role to play,” said Grey County Warden Selwyn ‘Buck’ Hicks. “We are committed to doing our part as a County to create opportunities for education about the history and legacy of residential schools, the traditional lands we live on, and cultures of Indigenous peoples.”
Grey Roots is also reaching out to the Indigenous community to develop an Indigenous Advisory Circle, recognizing there is much more to be done at the museum to increase the representation of Indigenous voices, cultures, and history.
Truth and Reconciliation resources are also live on GreyRoots.com. Visitors to the page can learn about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, hear stories of Residential School survivors, and find links to other online sources of information and education.