Press Release
Township of Whitewater Region
Today, the Township of Whitewater Region will be observing the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Recommendation #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called upon the Federal Government to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to ensure the public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The recent discoveries of remains and unmarked graves across Canada have led to increase calls for all levels of government to address the recommendations in the TRC’s Calls to Action. The Township is flying the Every Child Matters flag at the municipal office and Mineview garage. A flag raising was held on September 28.
Municipal operations will be closed on Thursday, except for the Cobden Arena.
The Township’s commitment includes the addition of a Land Acknowledgement at Council meetings that reads as follows:
As we gather, we would like to acknowledge on behalf of Council and our community that we are meeting on the traditional territory of the Algonquin People. We would like to thank the Algonquin people and express our respect and support for their rich history, and we are extremely grateful for their many and continued displays of friendship. We also thank all the generations of people who have taken care of this land for thousand of years.
In addition, Indian Road will be renamed. Residents of the road proposed Perretton Road following public consultation and notification. Perretton commemorates the nearby small community formed in 1801. The Perretton Church and School house are still standing not far from where Indian Road meets Beachburg Road.
Mayor Moore commented, “The Township is committed to being a welcoming community. We recognize September 30 as an opportunity for reconciliation and encourage residents to wear orange.”
