The Town of Newmarket, in collaboration with Indigenous and municipal partners, invites the community to come together to remember and reflect, as we continue to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

Here are five opportunities to mark the important day in Newmarket:

1. Community Walk: Take part in the York Region Reconciliation Walk on the Nokiidaa Trail on Thursday, September 26 from 4 to 5 p.m. Meet at the Chickadee (Gijigijigaaneshinh) trail marker in Fairy Lake Park (520 Water Street) for words from York Region Indigenous Relations Lead, Lauri Hoeg and distribution of tobacco, then walk the trail loop to honour the survivors of residential schools and remember the children who never returned home.
   
   
2. "Finding Forgiveness" Presentation: Attend an inspiring and impactful presentation from Crystal Lavallee and Dr. Wilton Littlechild. During this powerful opportunity for understanding and reconciliation, the presenters will dive into the heart of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, explore the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, and learn where we stand as a nation today. The event is hosted by the Town of Newmarket on Monday, September 30 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre (505 Pickering Crescent). Registration is required. Free tickets are available at Newtix.ca.
   
   
3. Documentary Screening: The Newmarket and East Gwillimbury Public Libraries present award-winning documentary Wilfred Buck about a Cree Elder who brings to life ancient teachings of Indigenous astronomy and cosmology to tell a story that spans generations. Watch the special York Cinemania screening on Wednesday, September 25 at 7 p.m. at SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas. Purchase tickets online.
   
   
4. Book Recommendations: Learning about the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada is essential to the reconciliation process. Check out the book lists created by the Newmarket Library to continue your learning journey throughout the year.
• Adult Truth and Reconciliation Reading List
• Children and Teens Truth and Reconciliation Reading List
   
5. Artifacts display: Visit the Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive) to check out an Indigenous artifacts display curated by the Elman W. Campbell Museum.
   

Wear orange to honour children who survived Residential Schools and remember those who did not, and recognize the cultural and personal loss endured by the Indigenous community.

 Calls to Action

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission outlined 94 calls to action for the Canadian people, institutions and government. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration.

The Town of Newmarket remains strongly committed to our journey of Truth and Reconciliation and our role to provide educational opportunities to the community. As an organization, it is our responsibility to engage in Truth and Reconciliation in a meaningful and sustained manner through staff training opportunities and work processes. For example, The Town of Newmarket has been connected with the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations for decades to collaborate on key land related projects within the Town, such as the Nokiidaa Trail and more recently, Mulock Park. This year, many staff will take part in the York Region Reconciliation Walk and special seminars to provide a deeper understanding of our role in Truth and Reconciliation.

On September 30, flags at all Town of Newmarket buildings will be at half-mast, and the lights at Riverwalk Commons and the Fred A. Lundy Bridge will be lit orange to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.