National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Town of St. Marys invites you to visit the Falstaff Family Centre (35 Waterloo St N, Stratford) in Stratford as they host the Legacy of Hope Exhibition in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Week. 

“We Were So Far” will be displayed and open to the public September 22 - 26 and 29 from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM and on The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30 from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Winona Sands Howling Moon Orange Shirts will also be on sale and The Stratford Perth Museum will loan a showcase of Indigenous artifacts from the region. Parks Canada’s “The Legacy of the Residential School System: An Event of National Historic Significance” 10-minute video will also be playing throughout the day. All of this will take place in the Community Room. 

The St. Marys Museum invites you to join educator and facilitator Patsyanne Day on Tuesday, September 30 from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM as she shares her story, 'From Standingstone to Stonetown'.

The story will be told beneath the Truth and Reconciliation banner displayed in front of the museum.

Attendees are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for seating.

The St. Marys Public Library (15 Church St N) and the Friendship Centre (317 James St S) will be livestreaming the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation broadcast from Parliament Hill on Tuesday, September 30.

Individuals are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on Tuesday, September 30 to honour survivors of residential schools, in support of the “Every Child Matters” message. Those looking to purchase a shirt are encouraged to buy from Indigenous-owned businesses. 

Talking About Treaty 29 Exhibit

Beginning on September 15, the St. Marys Museum will display 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 December 2025.

Truth and Reconciliation Banner

The St. Marys Museum will also display the Truth and Reconciliation banner on the front of the Museum during their regular hours on September 30. In September 2021, the Town of St. Marys hosted its first National Truth and Reconciliation Day commemoration, with guidance from Indigenous educator Patsy Anne Day. This blank canvas was placed in Milt Dunnell Field, where community members were invited to show their support by adding an orange handprint. The center was intentionally left blank for Ojibway artist Jeffrey “Red” George, who grew up on the lands of the Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation, to complete the artwork.

Join educator and facilitator Patsyanne Day: Turtle Clan, Oneida Nation, at the Friendship Centre (317 James St S), and learn about the Thirteen Grandmother Moons teachings and ceremonies! This September session will engage with the Corn & Planting Moons, and will also feature a story and activity. This event is free, and open to all ages. Please register in advance, as space is limited. Donations accepted at the door to help cover the cost of supplies - suggested donation is $5 a person.

Next session: Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00 PM

Sessions occur monthly at the Friendship Centre.

The St. Marys Public Library (15 Church St) invites you to join us for the Micro Learning Film Series on Tuesday, September 30 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.

This series features the following short films:

• Indigenous Heritage & Identity

• Residential Schools

• The Indian Act

• Reflections on Reconciliation

• Our Role as Canadians

• Lasting Effects of Residential Schools & Working Toward Reconciliation

• Witness Blanket

This free educational program is open to all and does not require pre-registration.

The National Truth and Reconciliation flag will also be flown at Town facilities from Monday, September 29 to Wednesday, October 1. 

For more information on National Day for Truth and reconciliation, please visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.