On September 30, the City of London will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis survivors and their families and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Please continue to check this site for more information on community events and happenings as it become available.
Here's What's Happening in London in 2023
Wear Orange
The City of London encourages all Londoners to wear orange to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour survivors. On September 29 through October 2, 2023, City of London buildings will be lit orange in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Looking for a new orange shirt? Atlohsa Gifts will be on site at Dearness Home on Friday, September 22, 2023 at Dearness Home from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and at City Hall on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These ‘Pop-up Shops’ are available to City of London employees while quantities last.
To learn more about the “Every Child Matters” movement and the woman who inspired it, visit https://www.orangeshirtday.org/.
The 'Survivors' Flag' will be raised at City Hall and Dearness Home on September 29 and will fly till October 2, 2023.
To learn more about the "Survivor's Flag" visit: https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/
Raising of the Five Signatory First Nations Flags
In recognition of the anniversary of the London Township Treaty, the flags of the five signatory First Nations will be on display on the second floor at London's City Hall. To learn more about the London Township Treaty and its history, you can visit https://bit.ly/3pc6CgR
Indigenous Artwork on Display at City Hall
Throughout September, Londoners are encouraged to visit the second floor of City Hall, The Medicine Wheel created by Brenda Collins will be displayed.
The 12th floor of City Hall also is hosting a Every Child Matters art installation for public viewing.
Administrative Office Closures
All City administrative offices will be closed on Monday, October 2, 2023, including City Hall, Citi Plaza, all Ontario Works offices, and the Provincial Offences Administrative Office.
Ontario Works monthly cheque pick-ups at Citi Plaza will take place on September 29, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
City of London community centres, aquatic centres and Storybook Gardens will remain open.
City of London emergency services will continue.
There will be no curbside garbage or recycling collection on Monday, October 2, 2023. Please refer to the new 2023/2024 Waste Reduction & Conservation Calendar or Zone Finder online for your next scheduled curbside collection day. Apartment buildings will not have garbage collected but the recycling will be collected as scheduled. Please visit the Holiday Collection Schedule for Apartment Buildings for your next scheduled garbage collection date. EnviroDepots and the Landfill will remain open as scheduled on Saturday, September 30 and Monday October 2, 2023.
City Crosswalks
If you're out & about in London, you may see a few new orange crosswalks in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A small reminder that #EveryChildMatters.
- St. Peter's seminary on Waterloo Street.
- Dundas Street at Maitland Street (east crosswalk)
- Dundas Street at William Street (west crosswalk)
- Hill Street at Maitland Street (west crosswalk)
Community Partners & Events:
- Athlosa Family Healing Service:
- Beyond NDTR
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- ReconciliACTON Speaker Series
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - FREE Lunch and Learn Series
- 3rd Annual Nibi Walk & Youth Relay - September 30, 2023
- Never Forget Me - An Indigenous Music and Artisan Festival
- "Wear Orange, Speak Truth" - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering
- The Nature of Healing - Faculty of Education - Western University (uwo.ca)
Resources
Learning more about the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is an important for all Canadians. It's a step towards understanding our country's history better and towards creating a better future for all. Below you will find a list of resources and organizations that can help you learn more.