Orange flags raised across London, Ont. to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Ceremonies in London were held ahead of Truth and Reconciliation Day on Tuesday. CTV’s Reta Ismail has more.

Flag raising ceremonies were held in London for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The orange shirt flag was raised at Western University’s concrete beach on Monday to the sound of the medicine lodge youth drum group, a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the collective call for change.

“We do this work not because we owe it to anybody else, but because we owe it to ourselves and the generations who will follow us. And to our non-Indigenous allies reconciliation is not a word that you wear for one day. It is a responsibility you carry every day,” said Niibin Pitawanakwat, co-president of the Indigenous Students’ Association.

The ceremony brought together members of nearby first nations communities, students and staff — honouring residential school survivors, and urging continued progress on reconciliation.

“When I look at the truth and reconciliation calls to action over ten years, we have really accomplished a lot. We haven’t accomplished everything, but we have accomplished a lot. For example, we accomplished 15 for sure of the calls to action completed,” said Dr. Christy r. Bressette, vice-provost and AVP of Indigenous initiatives.

There are 94 calls to action in total and for many, the work is just beginning.

“Truth and reconciliation is not a one-day effort. This is a day we hold dear in our hearts as indigenous people, to remind us of the tragedies, not only the tragedies, but the strength that comes from it, and how resilient our youth are being and leading our generations forward,” said Western student Claudia Zavitz.

Participants joined in a ceremonial dance, celebrating indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions.

Across the city, another moment of reflection at London City Hall.

Councillors and city staff gathered for a more somber ceremony, raising the orange flag in front of municipal buildings.

“There was a time that none of this was done. It’s really important that as a community, as elected officials, we take a stand. There was the truth and reconciliation report that we’re aware of it. We follow it. We make strides, just not words to make sure that we’re putting actions into those words,” said Ward 12 councillor Elizabeth Peloza.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has been recognized to on Sept. 30 for the last five years, as a way to amplify education around indigenous history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.