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 2024
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 30 through October 2, 2024, City of London buildings will be lit orange in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Looking for a new orange shirt? Indigenous-owned Rezonance Printing and the N’Amerind Friendship Centre have new orange shirt designs available for 2024.
To learn more about “Every Child Matters” and the woman who inspired it, visit https://www.orangeshirtday.org/
Flag Raising
The Survivors' Flag will be raised at City Hall and Dearness Home on September 27 and will fly till October 1, 2024.
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
Administrative Office Closures
All City administrative offices will be closed on Monday, September 30, 2024, including City Hall, Citi Plaza, all Ontario Works offices, and the Provincial Offences Administrative Office.
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, Green Bin or recycling collection on Monday, September 30, 2024. Please refer to the new 2024/2025 collection schedule 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 28 and Monday, September 30, 2024.
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:
- Gawii Wiikaa Ga-Nendimisii | Never Ever Forget Me Indigenous Music Festival and Art Market
- Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Western University
- N’Amerind Friendship Centre:
- Fanshawe Student Union - Orange Shirt Day featuring DJ Shub
- Atlohsa Family Healing Services:
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - FREE Lunch and Learn Series
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024 - virtual programs
- Ontario Museum Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024
- Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024 Public Lunch & Learns
- CBC Truth & Reconciliation Day Special Coverage
Resources
Learning more about the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is 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.