Truth and Reconciliation
The Town of Aurora is proud to be taking steps to renew and strengthen its relationship with Indigenous communities and residents. All are welcome to attend.
Date - Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Location - Aurora Town Square (50 Victoria Street)
The Town will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30 at Aurora Town Square. This gathering has been developed through partnership with the Town of Aurora, Aurora Cultural Centre, and members of the Indigenous community.
This day is focused on the Truths and meaningful steps toward Reconciliation. The Town of Aurora encourages you to join in the Ceremony and Community Gathering focusing on the truths. The Aurora Cultural Centre also welcomes you to join in the reconciliation efforts. By participating in both gatherings, it is hoped to create a more wholesome experience.
To learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Report, please visit Aurora Museums and Archives.
Ceremony and Community Gathering
Time - 5:30 p.m.
Outdoor Square
Families welcome
This evening gathering focuses on remembering the children who did not come home, those who have lived as survivors and their families. It is important to recognize and commemorate the difficult history of residential schools, their ongoing legacy and the trauma experienced by so many. This evening will provide the opportunity to learn, to have a safe space for meaningful reflection and a sacred fire starting at 5:30 p.m. Ceremony and gathering led by Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody, Ancestral Knowledge Keeper Raiden Levesque and Spoken Word Poet Sarah Lewis.
A Concert for Truth & Reconciliation
Time - 7:30 p.m.
Performance Hall
Families welcome
Presented with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage
The Aurora Cultural Centre is honoured to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through the power of music. Join Indigenous musicians and leaders in the Performance Hall for an evening featuring reflections in song. Consider wearing orange to honour thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
Musical Lineup
Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux (Host/Emcee), Zeegwon Shilling (Solo Acoustic Guitar and Vocals), Jeff Monague a.k.a. Myiingan Minanaakwhe (Solo Acoustic Guitar & Vocals), Evan Redsky (5- piece band).
Aurora Public Library
The Canadian Library Project in Support of MMIWG – Tuesdays | Sept 10, 17, 24 | 7:00 – 8:30pm & Sunday Sept 15 | 2:30 – 4:00pm | Creative Studio
More information: https://aurora.bibliocommons.com/events/66c4dd8aba1dd236001f21e0
WILFRED BUCK: Film Screening – Monday Sep 30 All Day | Virtual
More information: https://aurora.bibliocommons.com/events/66ad0ceb90b60b33004d64c9
Additional Resources to Assist in Learning
To assist you in learning more please visit any of these sites:
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to educate Canadians about the history of residential schools and to honour the survivors, their families and communities. September 30 is also being celebrated as Orange Shirt Day, which started to commemorate the experience of Phyllis Webstad who at six years old was stripped of her new orange shirt on her first day of attending the St. Joseph Mission Residential School near Williams Lake, BC.
Canadian Residential School History:
A brief history of Canada and the Residential School System imposed on the Indigenous people of Canada. Timeline from early European contact through to the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2010.
More Information & Contact
For more information, please call 905-726-4762 or email our Special Events Team.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel, amend or change activities.
