Orange Shirt Day: St. Thomas Hosts Downtown Community Gathering
.png)
On Tuesday, September 30, the City of St. Thomas will host a community gathering in recognition of Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - a day to honour survivors of residential schools, their families, and Indigenous communities.
The event will begin at noon in front of City Hall, and include a full schedule of cultural activities, music, food, and learning opportunities:
12 p.m. – Flag raising, proclamation, speeches, traditional dancing, and drumming circle
1:15 p.m. – Procession to the St. Thomas Public Library
1:30 p.m. – Indigenous food (Tacos & strawberry drink for the first 300 attendees), vendor booths, educational displays, and a hip-hop performance
2:30 p.m. – Film screening in the Carnegie Room
4 p.m. – Event concludes
Speakers will include Mayor Joe Preston and event organizer Betty Jean Phillips Budden, with expected appearances from other community leaders and Indigenous knowledge keepers.
This event is free and open to the public, with activities appropriate for all ages.
Follow our event Facebook page for updates leading up to September 30.
Attendees are encouraged to wear orange and bring an open heart for listening and learning. To purchase official merchandise from the Orange Shirt Society, please visit orangeshirtday.org
For more information, visit the City of St. Thomas Facebook page or contact [email protected]