Several activities will take place in Newmarket to commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
York Region will host a reconciliation walk on the Nokiidaa trail on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 4 to 5 p.m. You can meet at the Chickadee, Gijigijigaaneshinh trail marker in Fairy Lake for a speech from Lauri Hoeg, Indigenous relations lead for York Region, distribution of tobacco and then walk the trail loop to honour the survivors of residential schools and remember the children who never returned home.
The Town of Newmarket is hosting a presentation to explore the legacy of Indian residential schools and where we stand as a nation at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre on Sept. 30 from 6 to 7 p.m. Crystal Lavallee and Dr. Wilton Littlechild will dive into the heart of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Free tickets are available online.
The Newmarket and East Gwillimbury public libraries present Wilfred Buck on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas. The documentary follows a Cree elder who brings to life ancient teachings of Indigenous astronomy and cosmology to tell a story that spans generations. Purchase tickets online.
The Newmarket Library has curated a list of books about the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. An adult Truth and Reconciliation reading list is available, and a children's and teen Truth and Reconciliation list has been developed.
The Elman W. Campbell Museum has curated an Indigenous artifacts display for the town's municipal offices.
You are encouraged to wear orange on Monday to honour children who survived residential schools, remember those who did not, and recognize the cultural and personal loss endured by the Indigenous community.
