On September 30, 2021 the City of Mississauga will recognize the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada’s history.
We acknowledge the devastating legacy of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
As part of our commitment, the City will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by closing facilities on September 30 to allow for reflection and education.
On September 30, the Civic Centre clock tower will be lit orange in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
Orange Shirt Day
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day.
Created in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, Orange Shirt Day is a time for all Canadians to reflect on the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, honour survivors, and continue learning as we work toward reconciliation.
Wear an orange shirt on September 30 and be a part of the national conversation using the hashtag #EveryChildMatters.
Get involved
Throughout September, residents are encouraged to reflect on and engage in reconciliation. The City is offering the following activities and resources.
Celebration Square
Developed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and published in 2015, the 94 Calls to Action provide a roadmap for reconciliation in Canada.
All 94 Calls to Action will be on display all day at Celebration Square on September 30.
Visit the Square to learn more about the Calls to Action, reconciliation efforts adopted by the City, and how non-Indigenous Canadians can advance reconciliation in their personal lives and communities.
Short films
Watch a selection of short films that showcase Indigenous artists, cultures and communities on the screens at Celebration Square on September 30 at noon, 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
These films explore a number of themes, including the legacy of residential schools, community healing and the resilience of survivors:
- Stories Are in Our Bones by Janine Windolph
- Chanie Wenjack: Heritage Minute by Historica Canada
- The Gift by Rachel Garrick
- Sisters & Brothers by Kent Monkman
- Lillian Elias: A Residential School Survivor’s Story by Historica Canada
- Holy Angels by Jay Cardinal Villeneuve
- Maq and the Spirit of the Woods by Phyllis Grant
- Turning Tables by Chrisann Hessing
Films provided courtesy of
Music – CBC Music’s Indigenous Canada Playlist
Playing all day on Celebration Square’s Upper Square, the Indigenous Canada playlist features a collection of music by Indigenous artists across Canada, from roots and rock to hip hop and R&B to powwow and hand drums.
Moccasin Identifier Project
Explore the Moccasin Identifiers installed near the Celebration Square fountain. Learn more about Indigenous cultural identities at the Moccasin Identifier Project website.
Learn about Truth and Reconciliation at Bradley Museum
Learn about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the 94 Calls to Action and the history of Indigenous peoples in Mississauga.
Tours will run at Bradley Museum from September 23 to 26 and October 1 from noon to 4 p.m. Registration is required.
To complete your registration you will be leaving the City website and be directed to the Eventbrite page. When using Eventbrite, you are agreeing to that their terms and conditions and to their privacy policy. For more information review their Privacy Statement.
Learn more about the Indigenous communities who have Treaty Lands and Traditional Territory within the City of Mississauga.
City closures on September 30
City offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, September 30.
Limited activities will be permitted at select facilities. Classes and programs scheduled on this day will be cancelled or rescheduled. Impacted residents will be notified in advance.
For rentals, contact your permit holder to confirm your event.
MiWay buses will run on a normal weekday schedule. The 311 Citizen Call Centre will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Committee of Adjustment meeting is cancelled and will be rescheduled to October 7, 2021 at 4 p.m.
Additional resources
Learn about Mississauga’s Indigenous Heritage, including the outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples on the Heritage Mississauga website.
CBC News’ Beyond 94 features includes short documentaries, status reports on each Call to Action, and in-depth features on residential school survivors sharing their experience.
