The Town of Aurora is holding a sacred fire ceremony, concert, and film screening to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, Sept. 30 at Town Square.
The ceremony, presentation and sacred fire will be led by Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody, and Ancestral Knowledge Keeper Raiden Levesque.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation inspired by Orange Shirt Day "is a day to educate Canadians about the history of residential schools and to honour the survivors, their families and communities," according to the Town of Aurora.
The event was first recognized as a federal statutory holiday in 2021, while Orange Shirt Day was first honoured in 2013, by the founding non-profit organization, the Orange Shirt Society.
Aurora’s event is taking place at the soon to be opened Town Square, with the ceremony, sacred fire and gathering being held in the outdoor square at 5:30 p.m., before the concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Square’s new performance hall.
Residents can also register for a virtual screening of Wilfred Buck, a time-travelling road trip movie following the story of a Cree elder. The virtual screening can be viewed all day, with registration taking place online.
After the ceremony, there will be a concert in the Performance Hall hosted by the Aurora Cultural Centre.
The Town of Aurora is marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Aurora Town Square at 50 Victoria St.
For more information, visit aurora.ca/TruthandReconciliation
