The City of Moncton invites everyone to a commemorative ceremony on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to remember the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools on First Nations communities in Canada. This ceremony will honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Commemorative Ceremony:
🔶 September 30, 2024
🔶 11 a.m.
🔶 Moncton City Hall Plaza (655 Main Street)
🔶 PROGRAM : Blessing and teachings led by the Elsipogtog Spirit Singers: Mike Milliea, Joan Milliea and Manuella Caravantes, of Elsipogtog First Nation
🔶 Everyone is invited.
Other commemorative initiatives on this day:
Giant Flag: During the week preceding the ceremony, a giant flag with the words ‘Every Child Matters’ in Mi’kmaq language will be draped on the front of Moncton City Hall and will remain in place until October 1.
Illumination of Spaces in Orange: The following spaces will be illuminated in orange for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation:
🔶 Moncton City Hall
🔶 Downing Street
🔶 the inside façade at Resurgo Place
🔶 the Avenir Centre
Banners: In recognition of this day, street light pole banners are on display at Moncton’s Downtown Place around the Ian Fowler Oval. The concept of these banners was developed in collaboration with Moncton Cultural Board member DJ Joseph and other representatives from Elsipogtog First Nation. The design elements include:
- The importance of youth
- The double-curve symbol – a petroglyph in the written dialect Gomtjegeoiigaig, shown across the top part of the banner
- The Every Child Matters logo in Mi’kmaq, English and French
