The City of Timmins’ Orange the City campaign shines bright this September. Shades of orange cast the city in a warm glow to acknowledge the past and present treatment of Indigenous peoples ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Once again, our orange transit bus will carry the City’s Every Child Matters logo to encourage the community to pause and reflect on the importance of reconciliation. All city-owned electronic billboards will be lit up with the City’s Every Child Matters logo and the McIntyre Headframe will glow orange as of September 19. The community is also welcome to attend the official flag raising for National Truth and Reconciliation Day, held at City Hall on September 19th at 10:30 a.m.
“The Orange the City campaign was created by the City’s Indigenous Advisory Committee to recognize the legacy of the residential school system and how it continues to impact Indigenous families and communities today,” says Mayor Kristin Murray. “Though our actions today cannot erase the trauma of the past, we can foster understanding and support activities that work towards reconciliation.”
In 2021, City Council passed a resolution to officially recognize events during the year that are of cultural significance to the Indigenous community. The timing of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is significant because this season was typically when children were removed from their homes to residential schools.
Consider wearing an orange shirt on September 30 and sharing the story of the day’s significance. When purchasing your orange shirt, consider buying from a local Indigenous store or organization.
For more information, visit the City of Timmins’ Indigenous Relations and Inclusion page at timmins.ca.