Proclamation - National Truth and Reconciliation Week- Sept. 24th to Sept. 30th.
Proclamation for Town of Fort Frances for National Truth and Reconciliation Week- Sept. 24th to Sept. 30th.
WHEREAS The federal government has passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day gives an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about the history of Residential Schools in Canada.
AND WHEREAS the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is when we recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential and day schools and remember the survivors, their families and those who never returned home.
AND WHEREAS we commit to the process of truth, justice and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Metis in Fort Frances, Ontario and across Canada.
AND WHEREAS from the 1870’s through 1996, governments abducted more than 150 000 Indigenous children between 4 to 16 years old from their communities. Estimates show more than 4000 Indigenous children did not return home from the 139 identified Residential Schools in Canada.
AND WHEREAS Residential School harm has negatively impacted all Indigenous Peoples, communities and Canadians, and caused trauma felt through multiple generations.
AND WHEREAS The Survivors Flag will be raised at the Fort Frances Civic Centre marking the beginning of a week of special events based on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
AND WHEREAS The Survivors' Flag being raised was created by the National Centre of Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Survivors and National Indigenous Organizations to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools.
AND WHEREAS Truth telling, Decolonization, Reconciliation and Indigenization are opportunities for all Canadians to participate in healing, and developing a shared understanding of the historical impacts that shape the experiences of the Indigenous People of Canada.
AND WHEREAS the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has been observed and reflected upon in our region as a call to remember and a call to action.
AND WHEREAS the Town of Fort Frances is striving and committed to be a Town of Reconciliation, creating long-term, systemic change and new relations based on mutual understanding and respect.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. I Andrew Hallikas, as Mayor, and on behalf of the Council of the Town of Fort Frances hereby proclaim the week of September 24th to September 30th to be National Truth and Reconciliation Week in the Town of Fort Frances;
2. The Town of Fort Frances will publicly raise the Survivors’ Flag in honour of residential school survivors and all the lives and communities affected by the 139 federally run Residential Schools in Canada.
3. The Mayor and Council of the Town of Fort Frances encourages all citizens to reflect and work together on equality, acceptance, and inclusion for all people throughout the year.
4. A copy of this resolution shall be sent to the multi-agency Truth and Reconciliation Committee and shared with the community.
Andrew Hallikas, Mayor
© 2020 The Town of Fort Frances