National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQ+ People (MMIWG2S), also known as Red Dress Day is recognized across Canada on May 5. On Red Dress Day, we honour and bring awareness to the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

The name “Red Dress Day” was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s The REDress Project. The project features red dresses hung in public spaces as a visual reminder of the women who are no longer with us, and to evoke a presence through the marking of their absence.

National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration. It's a time to recognize and celebrate the traditions, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day for all Canadians to reflect on the history and legacy of the residential school system, remember the victims and Survivors, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

To assist residents in accessing resources and events, the City has compiled a comprehensive listing featuring various events and information for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. These events are hosted by external sources and partner organizations. For the most current and accurate information, please refer to the host organization’s website prior to attending an event.

• September 22 - 30: A range of learning activities at The Falstaff Family Centre - Truth and Reconciliation 

• September 22 - 30: The Orange Shirt Story Walk at the Stratford Public Library

• September 27-30: Steps to Truth and Reconciliation - This self-guided walk, with a series of educational signage developed by the City of Stratford, invites reflection on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools, and our shared responsibility to advance reconciliation. Located along the river near North Shore Park.

• September 30: Survivors' Flag raising at City Hall at 8:00 a.m.

• September 30: NDTR National Film Board Short Films hosted by Downtown Stratford BIA, City of Stratford and Stratford Public Library, at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

• September 30: Free admission and opportunity to make an Orange Shirt at the Stratford Perth Museum

• September 30: Lights On Stratford displays will be illuminated in orange in recognition of NDTR

Treaties Recognition Week honours the importance of Treaties and helps Ontario students and residents understand the significance of Treaty rights, Treaty relationships and their relevance today. 

The Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant of 1701 was developed by Indigenous People of the Great Lakes region and northeastern North America to describe how the land can be shared to the mutual benefit of all people living on the land. A “dish with one spoon” was referenced by Indigenous peoples who make treaties with each other to avoid violent conflict. The “dish” represents the land to be shared peacefully, and the “spoon” represents the individuals living on and using the resources of the land in a spirit of mutual cooperation. Often, a bowl or kettle was referred to rather than a dish. One of the most known wampum belt is the one treaty made between the Haudenosaunee and the Anishinaabe peoples before the coming of the Europeans.

The Huron Tract Treaty of 1827 included southwestern Ontario bordering on Lake Huron and Lake Erie. This treaty uses the intersection of the St. Clair River and “a hickory tree marked with a broad arrow on two sides” to mark part of its boundary. This agreement was made between eighteen Anishinaabek Chiefs and the Canada Company.

• Visit the Stratford Public Library's collection of Indigenous Resources and Indigenous Connections Hub to explore books, films, TV shows, and music by Indigenous artists and storytellers.

• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action.

• Explore the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

• Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.

• Visit Native Land Digital to find out which Indigenous Nations, territories and communities your community has settled on.

• Take the free online course Indigenous Canada offered by the University of Alberta.