St. Thomas Comes Together for Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On Tuesday, September 30, downtown St. Thomas was alive with colour, reflection, and community spirit as hundreds gathered to honour Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The free, family-friendly event offered an afternoon of learning, cultural celebration, and connection.
The day began with a special visit from local elementary school classes, who participated in a story circle, rock painting, and a traditional round dance, setting a reflective and inclusive tone for the afternoon.
At 12:00 p.m., the main event kicked off at City Hall with a flag-raising ceremony and proclamation. Amanda opened the proceedings, introducing Fire Keeper Kayla Joseph, followed by remarks from Mayor Joe Preston, MPP Rob Flack, MP Andrew Lawton, Chris Patriquin, and Mary-Anne Kechego.
Attendees were then treated to traditional drumming and dancing by Indigenous performers. Betty Jean Phillips-Budden also addressed the crowd, sharing her insights and experiences, before the audience was invited to join a social dance, celebrating inclusion and community.
After the City Hall program, participants processed to the St. Thomas Public Library, where the afternoon continued with lunch, vendor booths, educational displays, and a live hip-hop performance. Indigenous foods, prepared by Mary-Anne Kechego, were served to the first 300 attendees, while artisan vendors offered handmade goods, with proceeds supporting the Orange Shirt Society.
The day concluded with a screening of the 2024 documentary Wilfred Buck in the Carnegie Room, providing an opportunity for deeper reflection and learning about Indigenous experiences and history.
Event organizers encouraged attendees to wear orange to show support for survivors, families, and communities affected by residential schools. Hundreds did so, creating a vibrant, unified visual statement throughout downtown St. Thomas.
This meaningful day of learning, remembrance, and community engagement highlighted the importance of treating every day as an opportunity for Truth and Reconciliation.
