Ramara - September 30, 2024 – Today, the staff of the Township of Ramara and the students in grades five to eight at Brechin Public School commemorated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. At 10:30, the students and staff from Brechin Public School walked to the Township Administration Building carrying the 'Every Child Matters' flag, where they joined the members of the Council and staff at the Township of Ramara Administration Building around the heart-shaped rock garden. This garden was created in 2022 by the students and staff of Brechin Public School and the staff of Ramara Township in recognition of this day. Mayor Clarke read the land acknowledgment and shared opening comments.

"Today is a day to recognize and reflect on the painful history and impact of the residential school system in Canada. I ask the Ramara community, as they observe this day, to recognize and honour the thousands of Indigenous children and families who suffered and continue to suffer from the legacy of the residential school system. We are committed to learning the history, listening to stories of survivors and their families, and reflecting on Ramara's part in the reconciliation process."

~ Mayor Basil Clarke

Kaia Cooper, an intermediate student at Brechin Public School, read a passage she wrote, and together with Mayor Clarke, raised the Every Child Matters flag to half-mast in honor of the lives lost and the families and communities impacted by the residential school system. Afterward, the attendees went inside the building to view the 46 articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) that the students created last year.

The Township of Ramara continues to make an effort to learn, understand, and reflect on the impact of Canadian history and the importance of protecting the rights of the First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people.  The art display will remain in the Township Administration Building until Friday, October 4th. The public is encouraged to drop into the Township Administration Building during business hours to view the artwork and learn more about UNDRIP. A digital art gallery is available below. 

About UNDRIP

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, September 13, 2007, and on June 21, 2021, the UNDRIP Act became law in Canada. This Act creates a guideline to advance federal implementation of the United Nations Declaration in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada. UNDRIP consists of 46 articles describing the specific rights and actions governments must take to protect these rights.

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About Art Display

Prior to the unveiling and with support from Rosanne Irving and Lisa Ligers from the Simcoe County District School Board and teachers Amy Sweet and Kim Varey of Brechin Public School, staff and students took the time to review the 46 articles found within the Declaration and chose one article to review, document and illustrate for the art display.