Truth and Reconciliation

The Township of Wainfleet acknowledges that it is situated on land that is the traditional territory of Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee Peoples. Acknowledging the One Bowl and Spoon Treaty.

The Government of Canada has declared September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Wainfleet Council recognizes and is committed to the principles of reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is not forgotten. With that in mind, everyone is encouraged to use this day for quiet reflection or participation in activities that might recognize and commemorate the lasting and painful legacy of the residential school system.

Stanley "Bobby" Henry, a member of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, recently said during a virtual talk with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum that "the will to self-educate and compassion for the Indigenous communities" are just some of the ways that "people can engage with the horrendous truth of residential schools in Canada...the history of the residential school system is the shared history of Canadian and Indigenous Peoples and places responsibility on the individual to self-educate about these issues".

In the spirit of this visionary advice, Wainfleet offers links to access some of the resources from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada that chronicle Canada's path through this dark part of its history. You can click the images below to access these reports from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Additional TRC reports are available through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website. There are also several educational videos available for viewing.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience at 1-866-925-4419.

It is our sincere hope that through compassion and understanding, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can be a day of reflection and a shared path towards healing.