National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for all Canadians to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system. It’s a day to honour the resilience, dignity and strength of survivors and intergenerational survivors and remember the children who never came home.
An opportunity for learning and reflection
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons invites you to join us for a journey of self-reflection. The historic site is offering free admission on September 30, as well as a free online learning opportunity from September 16 to October 4.
In person: Sept. 30, 2024
Join us on the historic site on Monday, September 30th for a powerful day of reflection and learning.
Admission: Free
Hours: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Timed program:
- Sunrise ceremony at 6 a.m. Start the day with prayer and song led by Troy Monague of Beausoleil First Nation.
- Guided tour at 7 a.m. Join senior interpretive staff as they lead a tour focused on Indigenous history of Sainte-Marie.
- Raising of the survivor flag at 8:15 a.m. Experience the powerful moment as the Survivor Flag is raised, a symbol of resilience and tribute to those who endured the hardships of the residential school system.
- Speaker Marilyn Hopkins at 9 a.m. and noon. Hear about lived experiences of Indian Day School here in Ontario, from this beloved Elder in our community.
- Speaker Jim Calder at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Join a conversation with this leading expert in the history of lacrosse as he discusses cultural revitalization and healing through the Creator’s Game.
All-day learning:
- Exploration of treaties with a giant floor map: Immerse yourself in the history of North American treaties and their lasting impacts as you explore our interactive floor map.
- Film screenings: Explore the profound legacies of Canada’s residential school system through the films Indian Horse – kindly loaned to us by the Midland Public Library – and a shortened version of the Mohawk Institute documentary The Nature of Healing.
- Residential school survivor testimonials: As you walk through historic buildings, hear powerful stories of residential school survivors, bringing their experiences vividly to life through their own voices.
- Sacred fire: Many thanks to firekeepers Sean Wilson and Colton Laramey for overseeing this important connection with the spirit realm throughout the day.
- Bannock, teas and Indigenous foodways: Learn about these valuable traditions and how they have shaped Indigenous identities as you explore historic buildings.
- Learning About the 94 Calls to Action: Explore our museum exhibit and reflect on the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and engage with the path toward meaningful reconciliation. Discover how these crucial steps are shaping a brighter future.
Restaurant Sainte-Marie open from 8 a.m.
To accommodate the 6 a.m. sunrise ceremony and 7 a.m. morning tour, a buffet will be available 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning with brunch options.
Online: Sept. 16 to Oct. 4, 2024
This FREE online program offers an opportunity to learn from Indigenous speakers in the spirit of education and awareness, about the pathway to Truth and Reconciliation.
- September 16: As part of Indigenous Art and Culture Awareness Week, dive into our collection of three on-demand videos, specially curated to prepare you for the live event on September 30
- September 30: Join us for a live online program featuring an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., setting the tone for a day of reflection and learning.
- October 1 to 4: Continue your exploration as all videos will be made available on-demand, so you can delve deeper at your own pace
Live program September 30
10 to 10:10 – Opening ceremonies
10:10 to 10:30 – Why we honour survivors by the Legacy of Hope Foundation
10:30 to 10:50 – The Nature of Healing documentary short
10:50 to 10:55 – Reclamation, a song by DnA
10:55 to 11:08 – Conversation with author Michelle Good
11:08 to 11:10 – Strawberry teachings with Autumn Varley
11:10 to 11:30 – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women with Sherry Lawson
11:30 to 11:45 – Truth and Reconciliation with Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
11:45 to 11:55 – Language revitalization with Georgian College
11:55 to 12:05 – Sharing dreams with Nadine Lalonde (French with English subtitles)
12:05 to 12:25 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the Secret Path by Chigamik Community Health Centre
12:25 to 1:00 – Allyship with Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
1:00 – Thank you for watching
Thanks to our partners
Please be advised that with the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed on the historic site for this event.
- This event is free but please allocate 10-15 minutes to check in upon arrival.
- Sainte-Marie is a mask-friendly environment. Learn about our COVID-19 policy.
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on the property.
- Restaurant Sainte-Marie is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. serving delicious food from Sainte-Marie’s gorgeous patio. Light snacks will also be available for purchase at our gift shop.
- Please note this commemorative program takes place mostly outdoors and, visitors should plan to dress accordingly for weather, terrain and bugs.
16164 Highway 12 East, Midland, ON, L4R 4K8
Parking info
There is ample parking for visitors including those with RVs and buses. Please park in the parking lot provided and make your way to the admissions entrance. We also have bike racks available for cyclists coming from the Tay Trail.
Need more info?
Please contact us at hhp@ontario.ca or (705) 526-7838 if you have any questions.
Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people. In 1639, the Jesuits, along with French lay workers, began construction of a fenced community that included barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Indigenous visitors. This community was abandoned and burned down in 1649.
After extensive archaeological and historical research, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is now recreated on its original site, where the mission’s compelling story is brought to life with costumed historical interpreters, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Located near Midland, on the Wye River, this world-renowned reconstruction offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the earliest Canadian pioneer life through self-guided visits, group tours, interactive education programs, and special events. Complete your experience by exploring our interpretive museum and themed gift shop.
