From the Office of the Mayor - Every Child Matters Flag Raising September 2023 (3)

STATEMENT FROM THE MAYOR - September 1, 2023

Every Child Matters Flag Raising

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Seven Gifts Unveiling

For the third year, the Every Child Matters Flag will fly in Mississippi Mills for the month of September. At our August 29th meeting, Mississippi Mills Council unanimously supported this gesture to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. On this day we honour the children who never came home. We honour the survivors of residential schools. We honour their families and communities.

This year, young people from across our community will lead a vigil on September 30th. It is being coordinated by the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre with support from the Municipality. I encourage residents to attend this evening vigil to reflect the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and remember those who have been, are being, and continue to be impacted.

Throughout 2023, we have reflected on the last 200 years of history and heritage of what is now Mississippi Mills. We have also taken time to respectfully learn about and recognize our region’s earliest inhabitants, the Anishinaabe Nation. Under the leadership of Mississippi Mills All My Relations, a special Bicentennial project called “The Seven Gifts” has been created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous People working together. The Seven Gifts serves as inspiration to learn and rebuild important relationships with Indigenous friends and neighbours.

On September 17th, everyone is invited to a special ceremony unveiling the Seven Gifts installation in Riverfront Park (320 Spring, Almonte). The ceremony will include smudging, drumming, and the Story of the Seven Gifts. The Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists will share stories, there will be food, and activities for the kids. All are welcome. The community is also welcome to attend a Meet the Artists event at the Sivarulrasa Gallery (34 Mill, Almonte) on Friday, September 15th from 5-7pm.

Mississippi Mills All My Relations is a group of community members whose mission is to respond to the Calls to Action (https://nctr.ca/records/reports/) outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in a respectful and concrete way. I’d like to wholeheartedly thank All My Relations for their continued leadership in this important and sensitive work. Please visit their website for a wealth of information and resources, including materials about Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: www.mmallmyrelations.ca.

There is a National Crisis Line available to provide support to former residential school students and those affected. Emotional and crisis referral services are available by calling 1-866-925-4419.

Sincerely,

Mayor Christa Lowry

Municipality of Mississippi Mills