Caledon recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

CALEDON, ON (September 30, 2024) – The Town of Caledon recognizes September 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. 

Council and Town staff gathered at Town Hall for the raising of the Every Child Matters flag to call attention to the trauma caused by residential schools, the intergenerational trauma that still exists and to remember those who never returned home. This day is vital for honouring the survivors of residential schools, acknowledging the harms inflicted on Indigenous communities and fostering collective healing and understanding in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.  

“As we gather to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are reminded of the profound responsibility we share as Canadians in acknowledging the truths of our past,” commented Mayor Annette Groves. “This day is not only about reflection, but about taking meaningful steps toward healing, justice and understanding. It is a time to honour the resilience of Indigenous communities and to commit ourselves to a future built on mutual respect and reconciliation.” 

In addition to the flag raising ceremony, Town Hall has been lit up in orange at night for the entire month of September to symbolize the Town’s commitment to the path of reconciliation. The orange lighting serves as a visible reminder of the importance of acknowledging this history and standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples. 

This year, the Town is also hosting a free film screening at the Caledon East Community Complex and an educational exhibit at municipal facilities. 

Free Film Screening at Caledon East Community Complex 
Join us for a free film screening in the Banquet Hall at the Caledon East Community Complex (6215 Old Church Road, Caledon East) on Monday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m. The Town will be filming a Canadian documentary, “Call Me Human”, by Kim O’Bomsawin released in 2020 that offers a foray into history alongside Joséphine Bacon, Innu writer and poet. 

Travelling Exhibit  
Members of the public can also view a travelling educational exhibit at Town Hall, Southfields Community Centre (225 Dougall Ave, Southfields Village), Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness (14111 Regional Rd 5 N, Bolton) and the Caledon East Community Complex until the end of October.   

Titled “Honouring the History of the Mississaugas at the Credit River” the exhibit has been shared with the Town from the City of Mississauga and explores the origin of the name Mississauga, the Mississaugas before the 1690s, the impact of settlers, Treaties 14, 19, 22 and 23, and much more.  

The Town of Caledon continues to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and further understand the important role of the municipality. The Town commits to working closely with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) to understand how the Town can support in protecting the land, its natural features and the significance for generations yet to come.   

For more information on the Town’s growing number of Indigenous reconciliation resources to the public visit our Indigenous Reconciliation webpage. The Caledon Public Library also provides public resources on this topic at caledon.library.on.ca/truth-reconciliation.  

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Media contact: 
Communications 
905-584-2272 | communications@caledon.ca 
www.caledon.ca | @TownofCaledon 

About Caledon   
Caledon is home to close to 80,000 residents and 4,000 businesses and is well-known for its natural attractions, rural charm and vital role in the economic engine of the Greater Toronto Area. It will soon be one of Ontario’s fastest growing communities as it prepares to become a city of 300,000 residents and 125,000 jobs by 2051. Under its current strategic plan, Caledon’s priorities remain environmental leadership, community vitality and livability, enhanced transportation and mobility, and service excellence and accountability. For more information, visit Caledon.ca or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.