September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada—a day to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, their families, and their communities.
To support staff in their journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the NPCA head office will be closed on Monday, September 30, as we reflect on the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools—a vital part of the reconciliation process.
We stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada—honouring those who have survived, their families, and those who never made it home. We encourage residents and visitors across the watershed to learn about Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous culture, treaties, history, art, and traditions on an ongoing basis.
On Saturday, September 21, NPCA, Niagara Folk Arts Festival, and Kakekalanicks Consulting partnered again to host the Reawakening event series at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, now in its third year. Set within the beautiful landscape of the Niagara Escarpment and Carolinian forest, the Reawakening event series returned with ‘Sounds from the Forest.’ This unique 90-minute sonic tour invites guests to celebrate the harvest and honour all our relations as they walk into Niagara’s treasured Carolinian Forest at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. We invite you to join us on Sunday, Oct. 6, to experience 'Sounds from the Forest' once more. For more information and tickets, please visit https://npca.ca/events/detail/reawakening-all-of-our-relations-2024.
There are many events and activities to attend in recognition of Sept. 30. We invite you to explore the list of local events in our community that you may wish to attend or share with others. Let us take this time to deepen our understanding of Indigenous histories, the lasting impacts of colonialism, and our shared responsibility toward meaningful reconciliation.
Local Events for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
- A Day to Listen - Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund and Local radio stations
- September 30, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Flag Raising - Town of Lincoln City Hall - Town of Lincoln
- September 30, 9:00 AM
- Flag Raising Ceremony - Town of Pelham - Town of Pelham
- September 30, 9:00 AM
- 4th Annual Unity Walk - Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
- September 30, 10:00 AM
- City of Niagara Falls Flag Raising & Lowering - City of Niagara Falls
- September 30,10:00 AM
- KARIOS Blanket Exercise - Town of Pelham and KARIOS
- September 30, 10:00 AM
- Seminar - Roots and Relations: Shared Understanding of Indigenous History to Strengthen Relationships - Town of Pelham and Nokomis Migizinz Cindilee
- September 30, 11:00 AM
- Drumming with Josephine Lavalley - Town of Pelham
- September 30, 12:00 PM
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Woodland Cultural Centre
- September 30, 1:00 – 6:00 PM
- National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
- September 30, 3:00 – 9:00 PM