Whereas the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report on June 2, 2015, which included 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation; and
Whereas the recent discoveries of remains and unmarked graves across Canada have led to increased calls for all levels of government to address the recommendations in the TRC’s Calls to Action; and
Whereas all Canadians and all orders of government have a role to play in reconciliation; and
Whereas Recommendation #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process; and
Whereas the City of Burlington is committed to meeting the TRC’s Calls to Action as they apply to municipalities and supporting the Indigenous community spreading awareness on the history residential schools; and
Whereas the Federal Government has announced September 30th, 2021, as the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day) and a statutory holiday;
Therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Burlington does hereby commit to recognizing September 30th, 2021, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day) by sharing the stories of residential school survivors, their families, and communities.