Barrie recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

(Barrie, ON) – To recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, opportunities for community members to learn and reflect are being offered leading up to and on September 30 in a collaborative effort between the Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Primary Care Team of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), the Barrie Native Friendship Centre (BNFC), Red Quills, the City of Barrie, and the Barrie Public Library. Opportunities for the Barrie community are as follows: 

Open House and Family Activities
City Hall Rotunda (70 Collier Street) on September 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. 

• Learn more about the Indigenous organizations in our area, including the Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Primary Care Team of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), the Barrie Native Friendship Centre (BNFC), Red Quills, and more. Family activities provided by the Barrie Public Library will include a story walk of The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad, an orange shirt flag craft station, and Every Child Matters button-making.

Flag Raising and Awareness Walk
City Hall Courtyard (70 Collier Street) on September 29 at 4 p.m.

• The Every Child Matters flag will be raised at City Hall. Show your support, wear orange, and walk with the Indigenous community to honour all who have been impacted by residential schools. Immediately following the flag raising, the walk will start from the courtyard, and proceed around the block and back along the sidewalks. Suitable for all ages.

Sacred Fire and Sharing Circle
Spirit Catcher (25 Simcoe Street) on September 30, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The Sacred Fire and Sharing Circle hosted by the Barrie Native Friendship Centre will honour all who have been impacted by residential schools. Throughout the day, guests will join the circle to share their thoughts and experiences. All are welcome to reflect, offer a prayer, share stories, learn and heal together as a community. The Sunrise and Pipe Ceremony will be led by Elder James Carpenter and the Fire Keepers Mshukwad Akiwenzie and Jeff Smith.

For more information, visit barrie.ca/NDTR