Events in Hamilton, Niagara, Six Nations mark 3rd National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

As National Day of Truth and Reconciliation approaches, many organizations in Hamilton, Six Nations of the Grand River and surrounding areas are hosting events to prompt reflection.

The day Sept. 30 marks a time to commemorate the generations of children who were forced to go toresidential schools. There are many events this week, providing lots of opportunity to take part.

Film, art, astronomy and a talk by Santee Smith atMcMaster

McMaster University has already started a series of events and educational programming highlighting Truth and Reconciliation Day, starting with raising the Survivors' Flag at the University Hall.

"[The flag] is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada," read a statement from the university.

McMaster is also approaching the dayas a chance to the community to learn and share knowledge of the history and impact of residential schools.

At the L. R. Wilson Hall on Wednesday evening, McMasterstudents, faculty and staff will be able to join the Indigenous Film course at 5:30 p.m. and watch a Bones of Crows film screening.

Also starting on Wednesday until Sept. 30, the university's planetarium is hosting The Celestial Bear: The Six Nations' Night Sky, a an Indigenous-focused showing of the night sky. Funds from the sales will go to a local Indigenous non-profit organization, according to the statement.

Starting on Thursday until Dec. 8, the McMaster Museum of Art will host Chasm, an exhibition that "takes the unique vantage point of critiquing the power dynamics of colonialism from within the museum."

On Friday, multidisciplinary artist, producer, curator, and 2023 Order of Canada appointee Santee Smith Tekaronhihkhwa is set to give a talk and performance at the L. R. Wilson Hall sharing her family's connection to the formerMohawk Institute Residential School, the impact of it and " how creative expression is one path towards unearthing buried truths."

Anyone can register for the free event at 6 p.m.

Also on Friday at 9 a.m., those on campus will be able to witness a jingle dance and the unveiling of a mural by Six Nations artist Kyle Joedicke.

"The mural's theme is the passing of knowledge to the next generation," read McMaster's statement.

Niagara Falls to raiseEvery Child Matters flag

On Sept. 28 and 29, the city's Niagara Falls History Museum are hosting a virtual event called Understanding the Truth and Reconciliation Report What Is It All About?

"The report included significant and important recommendations intended to address the devastating legacy of the residential school system on generations of indigenous children, their families, and communities," read the event's registration page.

The event will be presented by Dr. Pamela Williamson, a member of the Moose Deer Point First Nation and from the Sturgeon Clan.

On Saturday, theCity of Niagara Falls willraise the Every Child Matters Flag and lower it to half-staff.

Thecity is inviting members of the public and Indigenous communities to attend.The event starts at 11 a.m. at city hall and will also see the unveiling of an orange bench that was donated by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Woodland Cultural Centre hosting Lunch and Learn and presentation

The Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford is presenting aLunch and Learn this week.

For $10, community members can come to lunch and learn from the centre's executive and associate directors about topics like the Imperial context, Canada's Indigenous Policy, the Indian Residential Settlement agreement and more.

TheLunch and Learnis on Sept. 28 at noon.

On Oct. 18, the Woodland Cultural Centre will also host a presentation at 6 p.m. covering similar topics.

The centre is closed to the public on Saturday.

City of Hamilton unveiling art

On Saturday, the City of Hamilton is unveiling All Our Relations in the city's West Harbour. The work of public art was made by a team led by local Indigenous artist Angela DeMontigny, with support from Paull Rodrigue Glass, Cobalt Connects, Lafontaine Iron Werks Inc., and EXP.

"These five 40-foot panels adorned with thousands of colourful glass beads represent traditional Indigenous teachings, the Thanksgiving Address (as shared by Haudenosaunee elders and knowledge keepers) and Hamilton's biodiversity," read the city's statement.

The city is inviting the public to attend the unveiling at 10:30 a.m., which is set to include an Indigenous ceremony, drumming, performances and speeches.

Social hosted by Brantford Native Housing

On Sept. 30, Brantford Native Housing is hosting a free Truth and Reconciliation social at Mohawk Park in Brantford.

This is the second annual iteration of the event by BNH, where "all are welcome" to experience drumming, dancingand singing.

Various vendors and booths will also be present at the event, including Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, a Hamilton-based non-profit organization that "provides high quality programs and services across the entire life cycle to the Indigenous population" of the area, according to itswebsite.

They are encouraging people to wear orange shirts, a staple for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Every Child Matters Walk

The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation is hosting an Every Child Matters Walk on Sept. 30.

The walk starts at 11 a.m. but there will be music, bouncy castles, kids activities and a turkey dinner from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pow Wow Grounds in Hagersville.

'Lifting up our Children' at Gage Park

The Hamilton Regional Indian Centre has organized two days of programming at the Gage Park band shell, running Friday and Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. both days.

"Lifting up our Children" runs to 7 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday, and features speakers, dancers, vendors lacrosse, kids entertainment and more.