On Friday, September 30, the City of London will recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school survivors, the children who were lost through Canada’s residential school system and their families and communities.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is also recognized to ensure public commemoration of Indigenous history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
“Acknowledging, learning and reflecting on the tragic legacy and ongoing impacts of residential schools is critical to guiding a compassionate journey towards reconciliation.” says Mayor Ed Holder. “In the spirit of reconciliation, education and hope, on September 30 we encourage all Londoners to wear orange and honour those who survived residential schools and remember those who did not.”
“The City of London is committed to ReconciliAction through continued support and acknowledgment of the amazing contributions our Indigenous communities have made from the original treaties in this area that date back to the early 1700s, to the current social justice initiatives that help raise all our collective voices.” says Alizabeth George-Antone, Indigenous Community Liaison Advisor. “We are working towards equity together. Knowledge is power.”
“We Are Still Here” Indigenous mural unveiling
The City of London, N’Amerind Friendship Centre and the London Arts Council are working together to develop a large-scale, seven-panel Indigenous mural to honour the legacy of residential school survivors and the children who were lost.
Ojibwe educator and visual artist Mike Cywink is working with Indigenous youth artists and Residential School Survivors to create the two-story mural to be placed on the exterior wall of N’Amerind Friendship Centre. It will formally be unveiled on September 30.
Lighting of City of London buildings
From Thursday, September 29 to Sunday, October 2, City of London buildings will be lit orange in honour of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. In addition, an “Every Child Matters” flag will be raised at City Hall from Monday, September 26 to Sunday, October 2, 2022.
Learn more about the “Every Child Matters” movement and the woman who inspired it.
Raising of the five signatory First Nations flags
In recognition of the anniversary of the London Township Treaty, on Wednesday, September 7, the flags of the five signatory First Nations were on display on the second floor of City Hall. Learn more about the London Township Treaty and its history.
Indigenous artworks on display at City Hall
Throughout September, Londoners are encouraged to visit the second floor of City Hall to view a collection of local Indigenous art. This includes The Medicine Wheel created by Brenda Collins, the Traditional Métis Ceremonial Smoking Hat by Annette Sullivan and Giizhik Medicine Earrings created by Chandra Nolan. Each piece represents various themes that speak to Indigenous worldviews and experiences.
Orange crosswalks across London
Orange crosswalks serve as a visual reminder of the “Every Child Matters” movement and the important work that must continue in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. The City of London has two orange crosswalks, one is in front of N’Amerind Friendship Centre at Colborne Street and Horton Street and the other is in Lambeth at the intersection of Main Street/Longwoods Road and Colonel Talbot Road.
City of London facilities and office closures
All City administrative offices will be closed on Friday, September 30, including City Hall, Citi Plaza, all Ontario Works offices, and the Provincial Offences Administrative Office. Additionally, community centres, aquatic facilities, and Storybook Gardens will be closed.
There will be no curbside garbage or recycling collection. Please refer to the new 2022/2023 Waste Reduction & Conservation Calendar or Zone Finder online for your next scheduled curbside collection day. Apartments will have waste and recycling collection as scheduled. EnviroDepots and the Landfill will remain open as scheduled.
Ontario Works monthly cheque pick-ups at Citi Plaza will take place on September 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Land acknowledgement
The City of London is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek (AUh-nish-in-ah-bek), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-no-show-nee), Lūnaapéewak (Len-ah-pay-wuk) and Attawandaron (Add-a-won-da-run). We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home. The City of London is currently home to many First Nations, Metis and Inuit people today. As representatives of the people of the City of London, we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and live in this territory.