Town of St. Marys to commemorate 2023 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Education and understanding remain focus for events

The Town of St. Marys will commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a week of activities focused on healing and education.

Beginning on September 25, the St. Marys Museum will host an exhibit titled ‘Talking About Treaty 29’. The exhibit examines the creation of Treaty 29, also known as the Huron Tract Purchase of 1827. It also explores the history of treaties and how the ongoing rights and responsibilities impact the area now known as St. Marys. The exhibit will be available for viewing during the Museum’s regular hours, until November 30.

On Wednesday, September 27 and Friday, September 29, the St. Marys Public Library is showing “The Walk a Mile Film Project” from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The project is comprised of five short films: Coming to Terms, We are All Treaty People, A Legacy of Struggle, Targets & Heroes, and The Way Forward.

On Thursday, September 28, local Indigenous educator Patsy Anne Day will offer a “Sunrise Ceremony” as a way to give appreciation, to be loving, full of compassion and joy, and express thanks for life and nature. The event will start at 7:30 a.m. at the north end of Milt Dunnell Field.

A sacred fire will also be lit and tended by firekeepers from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Milt Dunnell Field. Those attending the fire will learn about the four medicines sacred to many Indigenous cultures: tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar. Attendees are invited to add sacred medicines to the fire. Children will have an opportunity to create a feather craft keepsake.

Those attending are encouraged to wear an orange shirt to honour survivors of residential schools, in support of the “Every Child Matters” concept. All are welcome to attend this event at any point throughout the day. Those looking to purchase a shirt are encouraged to buy from Indigenous-owned or Indigenous-supported businesses.

The National Truth and Reconciliation flag will also be flown at Town facilities from Thursday, September 28 to Monday, October 2. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation facilitates learning for Canadians by offering a series of free virtual lunch and learn sessions on a multitude of Truth and Reconciliation topics, from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29, at 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.

The Town of St. Marys is grateful for the input of many individuals who have helped us begin to understand and commit to a better future.  We are especially grateful for the guidance and teachings from Patsy Anne Day who is helping us on this journey.  

For more information on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in St. Marys, visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/truthandreconciliation.

- 30 -

For media inquiries:

Alanna Bowes, Events Coordinator
519-284-2340, ext. 272 | abowes@town.stmarys.on.ca