​Kincardine reaffirms commitment on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Municipality of Kincardine will once again recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Sept. 30, a day that acknowledges the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada and the lasting impacts of the residential school system.

Established following years of advocacy and calls for justice, this day represents an important step in reconciliation. The date also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led initiative that honours the children who survived residential schools and remembers those who did not.

As part of local recognition, the Survivors’ Flag will be raised by mayor Kenneth Craig at the Kincardine Library, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m., and will continue to fly at both the library and Tiverton’s Station 11 Fire Hall until Oct. 1. Created through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the flag serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance, honouring survivors, their families, and communities, and memorializing the children who never returned home.

From Sept. 23 to Oct. 1, residents are invited to pick up stickers, posters, and educational materials at the following locations:
 

• Davidson Centre – 601 Durham Street, Kincardine
• Municipal Administration Centre – 1475 Concession 5, Kincardine
• Welcome Centre – 707 Queen Street, Kincardine
• Tiverton Arena – 20 McLaren Street, Tiverton

Community members are also encouraged to wear orange Sept. 30 as a visible act of remembrance and support. Municipal buildings will lower Canadian flags to half-mast from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, paying tribute to the children lost and standing in solidarity with survivors, families, and communities that continue to grieve.

To deepen understanding and take meaningful action beyond wearing orange, residents are encouraged to explore the Resource Guide on the municipality’s Journey to Reconciliation web page. The guide highlights ways to learn about the Calls to Action, support survivor-led initiatives, and share resources.

As part of this commitment, the municipality and Bruce County will host a Walk for Wenjack, Oct. 18, inviting the community to honour Chanie Wenjack’s legacy and continue learning on the path of reconciliation.