Community Invited to Reflect at Truth and Reconciliation Events

Film screenings and reflective exercises to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Cobourg, ON (September 19, 2025) – The Town of Cobourg invites community members to participate in upcoming events to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2025.

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.

Cobourg residents are encouraged 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.

The public are invited to participate in the following events:

‘Bones of Crows’ Film Screening
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | Times: 2:30 and 7 p.m.
Location: Concert Hall at Victoria Hall, 55 King Street West, Cobourg

The Town of Cobourg invites you to a special screening of the film ‘Bones of Crows’ written and directed by Métis playwright, Marie Clements. This film follows a Cree woman who endures the Indian residential school system and later becomes a code talker for the Canadian Air Force during World War II. The film offers a powerful and thought-provoking look at Indigenous history and resilience.

Admission is FREE and open to the public.

Content warning: Bones of Crows portrays difficult moments, like Indigenous children being taken from their families and cultural loss. It aims to reveal a painful history, but it can be upsetting. Be mindful of your feelings when watching and reach out for help if needed. The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada: 1-855-242-3310. Rating: 14+

Moment of Reflection
Informational and historical prompts, along with conversational pieces will be stationed in front of Victoria Hall from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., then moved inside the lobby for the evening, on September 30.

Visitors are invited to leave messages of reflection on two orange Adirondack chairs and review the reflections of others. Following the event, the chairs will be relocated to the harbour, placed near the Town of Cobourg’s Waterfront Wisdom Pathway to continue serving as a place of reflection in nature. Community members are encouraged to stop by at any time throughout the day to reflect and engage.  

Waterfront Wisdom Pathway
The Waterfront Wisdom Pathway is a collection of 26 banners created by local Indigenous artists Rick Beaver and Koren Smoke of Alderville First Nation. The banners, displayed on the lampposts along the Cobourg waterfront, bring vibrant expressions of storytelling and tradition reminding us of our deep connections to the land. The artists intentionally chose the harbourfront location, reflecting the cultural and spiritual significance of water in Indigenous life. Take a walk along the shoreline and explore the stories behind each piece, available at www.ExperienceCobourg.ca/waterfrontwisdompathway.

Alderville Every Child Matters Walk
On September 30, Alderville First Nation will host the Every Child Matters Walk beginning at Alderville Health and Social Services (AHSS) (8467 County Road 45, Roseneath) at 10:45 a.m. Participants will walk north to the Alderville First Nation Community Centre (8913 County Road 45, Roseneath) with a bus provided to return to the AHSS building. The walk is open to everyone as a way to honour and raise awareness to what Orange Shirt Day represents while encouraging Canadians to answer the Calls to Action for Truth and Reconciliation. Guests are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and stay for a welcome ceremony following the walk.

Canindian: A Celebration of Truth and a Celebration of Reconciliation
The Municipality of Port Hope is honoured to invite community members to "Canindian: A Celebration of Truth and a Celebration of Reconciliation," an evening dedicated to honouring Indigenous culture, history, and the collective journey towards healing. This event will take place at Capitol Theatre on Tuesday, September 30, at 6:30 p.m.

Join renowned Canadian actor, musician, and activist Tom Jackson and esteemed Indigenous leaders for an evening of song, storytelling, and performances that explore the heart of Indigenous heritage. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $30. All proceeds will go to the Rice Lake Legal Personhood Initiative. Visit www.capitoltheatre.com for more information.

Flags at Half Mast
Municipal flags across the Town of Cobourg will be at half-mast on Tuesday, September 30.

In 2023, Cobourg Municipal Council passed a resolution to permanently display the “Every Child Matters” flag on the flagpole in Rotary Harbourfront Park. The flag permanently flies not only as a commemoration but also a commitment to remembering Indigenous lives that were tragically lost within the residential school system which spanned over 150 years, with the nearest such institution to Cobourg being situated in the Alderville First Nations Reserve.

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