Engage with thought-provoking questions at the Rotary Harbourfront Park
Cobourg, ON (September 23, 2022) – The Town of Cobourg would like to invite residents and visitors to a Truth and Reconciliation Sharing Circle on Friday, September 30, located around the fountain at the Rotary Harbourfront Park.
The Sharing Circle is part of recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. There will be prompts located around the fountain to promote critical thinking about past and current issues and foster healthy conversations to have with friends, family and/or other people you meet at the circle.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to reflect on the history of Indigenous people, remember the thousands of children that attended harmful residential schools, and understand how we, as allies, can help create a better future.
“I encourage all Cobourg residents to take the extra step on this very important day to do their part in reconciliation by educating themselves on the history of the land we live on,” says Yasmyn Belle, Accessibility and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator.
“Reconciliation starts with you. Reconciliation means having the care and respect to have important conversations with your friends and family members. It is intended to achieve systemic and generational change. Inspiring us all to think about what we can do today that can aid in the healing process for so many. If you don’t know where to start, I encourage you to start at the circle or by visiting a local Indigenous community to learn more.”
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools, both take place on September 30. Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools on this day.
Truth and Reconciliation Sharing Circle
The Town of Cobourg Truth and Reconciliation Sharing Circle will be held at the Rotary Harbourfront Park, located at 110 Albert Street. Connected to Victoria Hall and Downtown Cobourg by Cobourg’s Indigenous ‘7 Feathers’ Crosswalk, located at Second Street and Albert Street. The crosswalk features seven feathers, representing the seven guiding principles adopted by many Indigenous communities and organizations, which are Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility, Truth and Wisdom. Prompts and conversational pieces will be on display from 9am – 4:30pm on September 30 and are intended for people to come and go throughout the day.
For more details visit https://www.cobourg.ca/truthandreconciliation/
Town Flags at Half-Staff
Town of Cobourg flags at Victoria Hall and Rotary Harbourfront Park will be at half-staff, with the addition of Every Child Matters flags.
Cobourg Public Library Resources:
The Town of Cobourg has partnered with the Cobourg Public Library who have provided a list of books on Indigenous history and culture. The Town of Cobourg will be sharing book titles and more information across our Social Media channels during the week of September 26, 2022.
Town of Cobourg Ongoing Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
As part of the commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, (EDI) the Town of Cobourg has committed to providing Indigenous Awareness Training through Indigenous Awareness Canada to all Council and Senior Staff Members. Training has been in progress since March 2021. Additionally, through the implementation of the Town of Cobourg Accessibility, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, the Town of Cobourg is working to build stronger relationships and greater collaboration with members of our Indigenous community.
The Town of Cobourg EDI Strategy, 2022 – 2026 provides a framework to allow municipal staff to better understand, engage, serve, and respond to the needs of our increasingly diverse community.
As an opportunity to develop cultural awareness and greater understanding, the Town of Cobourg Accessibility and EDI Coordinator is hosting a series of Lunch and Learn sessions for staff and members of the public. The first EDI Lunch and Learn session presented to staff in June, focused on Indigenous History Month and the definition and goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. The Town will be opening up the second EDI Lunch and Learn, tentatively scheduled for October, to any members of the public who are interested in attending.
Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee
For more information about the Town of Cobourg Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion program, including the Town’s Commitment to Truth, Reconciliation and Justice, please visit the municipal website at https://www.cobourg.ca/en/diversity-and-inclusion.aspx
Community Cultural Events for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Settler Conciliation
by: Northumberland Learning Connection
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Dr. David MacDonald, author of The Sleeping Giant Awakens, will present on the topic "The TRC Seven Years Later: Settlers and Conciliation with Indigenous Peoples."
Thursday, September 29th
Victoria Hall Concert Hall
7:30pm – 9:30pm
https://bit.ly/3Usr0J3
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
by: Northumberland Christian School, Church on the Hill, Northumberland Youth Unlimited, Grace Christian Reformed Church
Join event hosts on September 30th at 1pm for National Truth and Reconciliation Day at Victoria Park in Cobourg for an all-ages gathering in solidarity with our First Nations Neighbours. Featuring Jonathan Maracle, Mohawk/Scot musician and founder of Broken Walls. Whose vision is to see people from cultural minorities restored and able to walk in their true destiny, realizing and able to share their unique gifts and abilities with the world around them.
- All ages welcome
- $2 - $5 Suggested Donation
- Wear ORANGE to participate in Orange Shirt Day!
Friday, September 30th
Victoria Park Bandshell
1pm
-30-
Media Contacts
Kara Euale Brent Larmer
Manager, Communications Director, Legislative Services Division
Town of Cobourg Town of Cobourg
p: 905-372-4301 x 4105 p: 905-372-4301
e: keuale@cobourg.ca e: blarmer@cobourg.ca
About The Town of Cobourg
The Town of Cobourg is a lakeside community (population 20,500) located on the north shore of Lake Ontario halfway between Toronto and Kingston and has been recognized multiple times by MoneySense Magazine as “One of Canada’s Best Places to Live” in populations under 25,000.
Founded in 1798, Cobourg is rich in heritage offering a vibrant downtown, sophisticated small-town atmosphere and renowned waterfront that serves as a popular getaway destination. As the largest town in Northumberland County, Cobourg is personified by historic Victoria Hall, hosts a 27.4 million community centre, an educated and skilled labour force, flourishing commercial sector and supportive municipal government. Cobourg has received the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Communities Award, accolades from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, and multiple heritage, environmental, and event awards.