With National Day for Truth and Reconciliation taking place on Saturday, September 30, Norfolk County will raise the ‘Survivor Flag’ on Friday, September 29.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Survivors and their families and communities and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
On Friday, September 29, Norfolk County staff will raise the ‘Survivor Flag’ at the County Administration Building in Simcoe. The flag will stay up throughout the weekend. In addition, September 30 will be proclaimed as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Norfolk County.
Norfolk County Public Library branches have created unique displays and will provide visitors with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation brochures and take-home activities for children. Residents can also visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website for educational materials and resources.
Funds donated by Norfolk County staff throughout September as part of the County’s dress-down donation program will be donated to the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford.
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to reflect on the lasting effects of residential schools in Canada, and to honour survivors, their families, and their communities,” said Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin. “I encourage staff and residents to take this opportunity to learn about Canada’s past and reflect on how we can all participate in reconciliation.”
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established as a statutory holiday through legislative amendments made by Parliament in June of 2021. On September 7, 2021, Norfolk County Council approved National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be recognized by all Norfolk County staff.
The Simcoe Recreation Centre and Simcoe Seniors’ Centre are currently closed until Thursday, October 12, while the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show is underway.
The Annaleise Carr Aquatic Centre will be closed on Saturday, September 30 and will remain closed until Wednesday, October 11, while the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show is underway.
All Norfolk County arenas will be closed on Saturday, September 30, resuming regular hours on October 1.
All Norfolk County Public Library Branches will be closed on Saturday, September 30, and will resume regular operating hours on Monday, October 2, with the Simcoe Branch open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. All other Branches remain closed on Monday following the library’s regular operating hours.
All other Norfolk County facilities will be closed on Monday, October 2 in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
For emergencies regarding forestry, parks and facilities, public health, roads, water, sewer, and drainage, please call 1-877-298-5888. For after-hours By-law Enforcement, use the OPP non-emergency line number at 1-888-310-1122.
Services such as waste and recycling collection, transfer stations, Ride Norfolk, and all essential and critical services, including Fire and Paramedic Services, will continue to operate as usual.
