Richmond Hill raises Every Child Matters flag to honour Indigenous children, communities

City will demonstrate support for survivors, families on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 28, 2023
Melissa Wallace

Members of Richmond Hill council, city staff and community members gathered to watch the raising of the Every Child Matters flag outside the municipal offices on Sept. 27.

The flag recognizes the trauma caused by Canada’s residential schools system, and honours the children who never came home, the survivors, their families and communities.

“Every single Indigenous person you know today, your friends, your colleagues, your family, are residential school survivors,” said Jay Shea, founder of Odeiwin, a York Region-based Indigenous non-profit, whose family and ancestors are from the Mushkego territory. “Us standing here today shows that while we may have inherited a lot of grief and pain and trauma, we also inherited a lot of strength, resilience, honour and bravery.

“I remember the first stories I heard of residential schools from elders, going back and sharing, and no one believing. We've come a long way with regards to creating safe spaces to listen, learn, share and heal.”

The city proclaimed Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Richmond Hill, and will fly all flags at Richmond Hill facilities at half-mast. The date also marks Orange Shirt Day, a symbol of the culture, freedom, and self-esteem that was stripped away from Indigenous communities.

“Building on the city’s first land acknowledgment which was adopted earlier this year, the raising of the Every Child Matters flag today is another important step as we respond to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” said Mayor David West. “Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian -- by demonstrating our commitment to remembrance, education and reflection, we are helping to dismantle the legacy of residential schools and demonstrating recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples and supporting education on the history of the lands on which we live and work.

“We are listening and learning, which is the first step toward building a relationship with First Nations Treaty Rights Holders, and local Indigenous communities.”

Odeiwin is hosting an event at Richmond Hill Public Library (Central branch) on Sept. 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Learn more at https://linktr.ee/odeiwinconnect.