Statement from City of St. Catharines on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today (Sept. 30) marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The City of St. Catharines was pleased to partner with Niagara Regional Native Centre for an event at City Hall, creating a space to bring all of the community together for an opportunity to learn about the truth of residential schools and begin healing together as a community, while honouring the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities.

The following statement is on behalf of City of St. Catharines Chief Administrative Officer David Oakes, and Mayor Walter Sendzik:

“As Canada marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of St. Catharines is proud to partner with the Niagara Regional Native Centre to provide a forum for our staff, and our community, to learn the truth about residential schools – a tragic and painful chapter in Canadian history – and acknowledge the lives lost, as well as the survivors and their families. An important aspect is that this is being led by the experience and voices of our Indigenous community partners.

One of the first steps toward reconciliation is truth and education. So, in addition to the Orange Flag presentation and educational event at City Hall, as well as encouraging staff to wear orange shirts, we have provided our staff with an opportunity to learn more about the truth of our past. The City provided additional resources and opportunities for our staff to increase their awareness, and further amplify the voices of our Indigenous allies, as we continue on the journey to heal together.

Three years ago, the City signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Niagara Regional Native Centre, and partnering for activities such as those today, is part of our commitment to collaborate and share cross-cultural learning and experiences in the spirit of reconciliation. That commitment doesn’t end today. The City of St. Catharines will continue to build a shared future together, supporting good relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians through Indigenous-led training and other collaborative efforts with our partners.

One of the core values of our organization in our strategic plan, is to create a community that respects diversity, inclusiveness and equity. All Cities have responsibilities to continue the journey of truth and reconciliation, and so do all Canadians. We encourage our community to join us in this journey to learn more about the truth, foster inclusive relationships and work towards reconciliation so we can continue down a path together and build a better future.”

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