A day to remember, a commitment to continue

Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer John Henry issued a statement on behalf of the Regional Municipality of Durham marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, urging residents to keep working toward reconciliation beyond the annual observance.

In the statement, issued Sept. 30 from Whitby, Henry said the day is set aside to honour and remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, and to acknowledge the survivors, families and communities who continue to live with the impacts of those institutions and the policies behind them.

This day asks us to pause and reflect on the truths of our shared history, to listen deeply to the stories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, learn from their resilience and wisdom, and take meaningful action toward building a future rooted in respect, understanding and partnership.

The statement, released through the Region of Durham, emphasized that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not a one-time observance. Henry described reconciliation as a long-term commitment that involves ongoing learning, reflection and action by everyone.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey. It's a continued commitment to learning, reflection and action, and each of us has a role to play in creating more connected, inclusive and respectful communities.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, established as a federal statutory holiday, coincides each year with Orange Shirt Day, which recognizes the experiences of Indigenous survivors of residential schools and their families. Orange Shirt Day traces its origins to the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school.

For Durham residents, the regional government's message is that reconciliation is a shared local responsibility, not only a national commemoration. Henry's statement framed the day as an invitation for individuals across the region to listen to First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices and to consider what practical steps they can take in their own communities.

The Regional Municipality of Durham is headquartered at 605 Rossland Road East in Whitby. Residents can reach the Region by dialing 311 within region limits, or 905-668-7711, and can subscribe to regional eNewsletters for updates on events, programs and operations.

Henry's full statement was published on the Region of Durham website.