Barrie recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Children hold an Every Child Matters flag during a ceremony in this file photo taken on Friday, September 30, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Everyone is invited to gather, learn and reflect on September 30, the day of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Sacred Fire and Sunrise Ceremony

The Sacred Fire and Sunrise ceremony is hosted at the Spirit Catcher from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Sacred Fire and Sunrise Ceremony, hosted by the Barrie Native Friendship Centre and Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin, will honour everyone who has been impacted by residential schools.

All are welcome to reflect, offer a prayer, share stories, learn and heal together as a community.

Memorial Walk

Begins at 11 a.m. at the Spirit Catcher. Participants will walk along the water’s edge to Centennial Beach and return to the Spirit Catcher.

The event will take place rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to wear orange and are welcome to bring skirts and hand drums. Registration is not required, and all activities are open to everyone.

Barrie affected services:

The following Barrie services will be affected on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday:

• City Hall will be closed.
• The landfill site will be closed.
• Recreation and Community Centres will remain open for drop-in programming, however there are no registered programs scheduled such as swimming lessons, registered fitness classes, etc.
• Barrie Transit will run on a regular weekday schedule on Wednesday, and there will be no change to the waste collection schedule on that day.

Events are being offered through a collaboration between the Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Primary Care Team of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), the Barrie Native Friendship Centre, the City of Barrie and the Barrie Public Library.