September 30 marks the 5th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also recognized as Orange Shirt Day

The Township of Brock has traditionally been a hunting and fishing ground for First Nations people. We reside on and benefit from the Williams Treaty Territories, on the land of the Mississaugas and Chippewas.  

This day serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing the truths of our past, as well as working towards reconciliation. NDTR honours both the Survivors and the intergenerational Survivors of the Indian Residential School system, while also remembering the children who never returned home. 

Brock has an ongoing commitment to reflect on the detrimental legacies of the residential school system, deepen our learning journeys and participate in intentional conversations on truth and reconciliation. 

We invite you to join events happening throughout Brock and Durham Region: 

• September 7 to October 18 – The Witness Blanket at Trinity-St. Andrews Church, Cannington 

• September - Brock Libraries curated booklist to deepen your understanding of the histories that were silenced for so long 

• September 26 at 10 a.m. - Durham Region Walk for Reconciliation 

• September 29 at 11:30 a.m. – Flag Raising Ceremony at the Brock Municipal Building, Cannington.  Members of the community are invited to join Council and staff for this flag raising ceremony and are encouraged to wear an orange shirt  

• September 30 – The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also recognized as Orange Shirt Day 

• September 30 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. - Town of Ajax Event 

Holiday Service Changes 

Brock Township facilities will be closed on September 30 so that we can reflect and honour survivors, their families and communities; and learn about the continued impacts of residential schools on the lives of Indigenous peoples across the country.  

Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Calls to Action 

There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996. Survivors advocated for recognition and reparations and demanded accountability for the intergenerational impacts of harm caused. Their efforts culminated in: