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Join the Town and the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force for a community healing circle and special flag raising ceremony

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The significant day honours the memory of the thousands of children who were lost to the Canadian Residential School system and acknowledges the generational traumas experienced by Canada's Indigenous Peoples.

This year’s Truth and Reconciliation event will be the first program for the 2024 Diversity X Change presented by the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF). The programming will bring the community together and provide an opportunity for learning, dialogue and healing.

Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, as well as all Ajax and Durham Region residents are welcome to participate in:

  • A meaningful community healing circle, guided by Grandmother Kim Wheatly, a respected elder, at the Indigenous Community & Healing Garden (Ajax Pickering Hospital, 580 Harwood Avenue South) from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. followed by refreshments and interactive activities.
  • A special flag raising ceremony at Pat Bayly Square (420 Harwood Avenue South) at 12 p.m. to further honour and recognize the significance of the day.

Attendees are invited to wear orange in honour of the Every Child Matters Movement. Please be aware that due to the nature of this event, pets are not permitted on the premises, and public photography is not allowed to respect the privacy and sanctity of the occasion.

Quotes

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to honour all of the Indigenous children who were lost to the Canadian Residential School System. We encourage you to participate in the community healing circle and flag raising ceremony for continued learning opportunities and reflection. Also, please wear the colour orange to help raise awareness for Truth and Reconciliation Day and the Every Child Matters Movement. On behalf of Ajax Council, we look forward to sharing this important day of reflection and community together.” – Mayor Shaun Collier

“The Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force is pleased to join the Town on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and take part in the significant healing circle and flag raising ceremony as a part of the first program for the 2024 Diversity X Change. Diversity X Change facilitates community learning and reflection, while enhancing the level of knowledge and understanding among the residents of Ajax and neighbouring communities. The purpose of Diversity X Change programming aligns with the priorities of the events planned for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as we continue to take these opportunities to learn from one another and work towards the common goal of building a more inclusive environment for all.” - Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force

Quick Facts

  • This year’s event is the first program for the 2024 Diversity X Change presented by the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force. The day will honour the memory of the thousands of children who were lost to the Canadian Residential School system and acknowledge the generational traumas experienced by Canada's Indigenous Peoples through a meaningful healing circle and special flag raising ceremony.
  • As part of Truth and Reconciliation Day, this gathering is an opportunity for learning, dialogue and healing. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members are welcome to participate in this reflective and unifying experience, as well as all Ajax and Durham Region residents.
  • The healing circle will be guided by Grandmother Kim Wheatly, a respected elder, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Following the circle will include engaging conversations, interactive activities and refreshments.
  • An Indigenous healing circle is a sacred space designed to foster healing, connection and community among its participants. At the heart of the healing circle is the practice of speaking from the heart, guided by respect for one another and the traditions of the community.
  • Ceremonial elements, such as prayer, song, drumming or the use of sacred herbs like sage or sweetgrass, may be incorporated in healing circles to invoke spiritual guidance and cleanse the space.
  • The healing circle is not just a place for personal healing but also a venue for collective healing and problem-solving.
  • At 12 p.m., a flag raising ceremony will take place in Pat Bayly Square to further honour and recognize the significance of the day. Attendees are invited to wear orange in honour of the Every Child Matters Movement.
  • Please be aware that, due to the nature of this event, pets are not permitted on the premises, and public photography is not allowed to respect the privacy and sanctity of the occasion.

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