The City of Oshawa will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, September 30. The City says the day recognizes the history and legacy of residential schools and honours Survivors, families and communities, including at least 150,000 Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families.
Oshawa is on the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas and Chippewa Anishinaabeg and within the Williams Treaties. Orange Shirt Day also falls on September 30; it was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken on her first day at residential school.
An Orange Ribbon memorial program will run until October 9. Community members can visit locations including Columbus Community Centre, Delpark Homes Centre, Lakeview Park, the Civic Recreation Complex and Oshawa City Hall, and are encouraged to bring an orange ribbon as a sign of respect.
The City of Oshawa and Durham District School Board invite residents to a ceremony and Survivors’ Flag raising on Monday, September 28, at 12:30 p.m. at Civic Square outside Oshawa City Hall. The program is to include teachings from Grandmother Kim Wheatley, drumming and words from D.D.S.B. students.
At 2:30 p.m., Indigenous artist David Beaucage Johnson is scheduled to discuss his artwork titled Aashawaa, which the City says will be displayed at Oshawa City Hall for up to 18 months. The City also directs residents to its local programming and reconciliation information online.
Source: City of Oshawa — https://www.oshawa.ca/news/posts/marking-the-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2026
