Mississippi Mills highlights truth and reconciliation resources, plans Sept. 30 vigil

The Municipality of Mississippi Mills will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday with a candlelight vigil and community programming aimed at fostering understanding and healing.

“As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to honour the survivors of the residential school system, their families and the children who never returned home,” said Mayor Christa Lowry. “The legacy of these institutions continues to cause deep harm, and it is our shared responsibility to acknowledge this truth and commit to meaningful action to heal generations of hurt.”

Lowry emphasized that reconciliation cannot be confined to a single day.

“Reconciliation is not limited to one day – it is a continuous journey,” she said. “Mississippi Mills remains committed to fostering understanding, healing and respect throughout the year.”

To support that commitment, the municipality has launched a Truth and Reconciliation page on its website. It features resources and calls to action, outlines the town’s path forward, highlights local organizations and includes its annually renewed land acknowledgement. An Equity, Diversity and Inclusion section has also been added to showcase engagement strategies and learning tools.

In June, the community celebrated National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day with Celebrating Solstice Together – a day of storytelling, food, art and music hosted with Mississippi Mills All My Relations, Ginawaydaganuc Village and the municipality.

This weekend, Reconciliation Through Art will run from Sept. 28–30, featuring film screenings, Indigenous music, a Water Walk, art showcases and teachings. More information is available at www.reconciliationthroughart.ca.

On Tuesday at 7 p.m., a Truth and Reconciliation Candlelight Vigil will be held at Riverfront Park, organized by youth from Almonte United Church and St. Paul’s Anglican Church in partnership with the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre. The event, which has taken place annually since 2021, is supported by Mississippi Mills All My Relations and the municipality.

“Reconciliation is a path we walk together,” Lowry said. “On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us each consider how we can contribute every day to learning, understanding and healing.”