Town of St. Marys to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025

The Town of St. Marys will commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a week of activities focused on healing and education.

Beginning on Monday, September 15, the St. Marys Museum will host an exhibit titled ‘Talking About Treaty 29’ Exhibit. The exhibit examines the creation of Treaty 29, also known as the Huron Tract Purchase of 1827. It also explores the history of treaties and how the ongoing rights and responsibilities impact the area now known as St. Marys. The exhibit will be available for viewing during the Museum’s regular hours until December 2025.

The St. Marys Museum invites you to join educator and facilitator Patsyanne Day on Tuesday, September 30 at 2:00 p.m. as she shares her story, 'From Standingstone to Stonetown'. The story will be told beneath the Truth and Reconciliation banner displayed in front of the museum. Attendees are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for seating.

All are also invited to join Patsyanne Day every month at the Friendship Centre to learn about the Thirteen Grandmother Moons teachings and ceremonies. The September session will engage with the Corn & Planting Moons, and will also feature a story and activity. This event is free, and open to all ages. Please register in advance, as space is limited. Donations will be accepted at the. The next session is Tuesday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m.

The St. Marys Public Library and the Friendship Centre will also be livestreaming the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation broadcast from Parliament Hill at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30.

The public is also invited to the library for a Micro Learning Film Series on Tuesday, September 30 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. This free educational program will feature a collection of short films including Indigenous Heritage & Identity, Residential Schools, The Indian Act, Reflections on Reconciliation, Our Role as Canadians, Lasting Effects of Residential Schools and Working Toward Reconciliation, and Witness Blanket. Open to all, this program does not require pre-registration.

The National Truth and Reconciliation flag will be flown at Town facilities from Monday, September 29 to Wednesday, October 1.

Individuals are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on Tuesday, September 30 to honour survivors of residential schools, in support of the “Every Child Matters” message. Those looking to purchase a shirt are encouraged to buy from Indigenous-owned businesses.

The Town of St. Marys is grateful for the input of many individuals who have helped us begin to understand and commit to a better future.  We are especially grateful for the guidance and teachings of Patsyanne Day who is helping us on this journey.  

For a full schedule of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation events, please visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/truthandreconciliation.

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For media inquiries:

Lauren Thomson-Vernooy, Marketing and Communications Specialist
519-284-2340 ext. 432 | lthomson@town.stmarys.on.ca