Members of City Council and City staff attended the raising the Every Child Matters flag in place of the Owen Sound flag in front of city hall this morning. It will fly until September 30.
In July 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 to make September 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Call to Action number 80. This day provides an opportunity for all of us to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. It is also a day to honour and remember the survivors, their families, and communities who continue to bear witness to these tragedies.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is also known as National Orange Shirt Day, is a day to honour survivors, their families, and communities and commemorates the history and legacy of residential schools. It also demonstrates a commitment to reconciliation and affirms Every Child Matters.
The Every Child Matters flag, which was created to bring awareness to the residential school experience, will be raised at the Owen Sound City Hall on September 1 at 9:30 a.m. and will be flown for the duration of the month of September. The Every Child Matters flag will also be displayed in the Owen Sound Council Chambers for the month of September.
There is an Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program, and the National Crisis Line is available to provide support to former residential school students and those affected. Emotional and crisis referral services are available by calling 1-866-925-4419.
source: media release, City of Owen Sound
photo: David Galway
