Wednesday, September 1, 2021

City of Williams Lake to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Government of Canada recently passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

In its ongoing commitment to meaningful reconciliation, the City of Williams Lake will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday and encourage staff to attend Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events and ceremonies.

The City of Williams Lake would like to recognize the tireless work of Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Day Society in advocating for a national statutory holiday to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Action number 80, which calls upon the federal government to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides an important opportunity for reflection and recognition of the effects of the residential school system,” said Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “City of Williams Lake Council is proud of the passionate work undertaken by Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Day Society – this is a powerful opportunity to work toward healing as a nation.”

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