Mayor Meed Ward’s Weekly Update: Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2022

Good morning Burlington,This Friday (Sept. 30) will see our city and community come together to mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Burlington City Hall will be closed in observance.Orange Shirt Day was created in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, and is a time for us to raise awareness and reflect on the current intergenerational trauma on Indigenous Peoples as a result of the Residential School System in Canada, as well as to to remember and honour the Indigenous children who never returned home.An Orange Shirt Day ‘The Walk Home’ community event will take place at Spencer Smith Park from 4-7 p.m. on Sept. 30.A reflective walk will start at the Burlington Pier at 4 p.m. and end at the Lift Bridge lighthouse where a ceremony will take place before heading back to Spencer Smith Park. Participants wishing to join are encouraged to wear orange shirts and moccasins.I also encourage everyone in the community and across our city to visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website for educational materials and resources. As well, you can visit the dedicated webpage on mariannemeedward.ca to learn more about the history of Indigenous people in Burlington and Canada.My full weekly update for Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2022 can be found here: Mayor's Weekly Public Update Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2022.Have a great week!~ Mayor Marianne Meed Ward