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: Online and in-person
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons invites you to join us for a journey of self-reflection, observing, learning from, and connecting with Indigenous speakers and cultural specialists, in the spirit of education and awareness about the pathway to truth and reconciliation. You can join us in-person on the historic site for a day of commemoration, or you can connect with us online for free virtual learning.
In person: Sept. 30, 2023
- Open from 10 am to 5 pm
- FREE – No reservation required
Join us for a day of reflection at historic Sainte-Marie. The commemorative program will include:
- 10 a.m. Raising of the survivor flag
- 10:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony
- 11 a.m. 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Screenings of two films:
- Indian Horse
- The Nature of Healing
- All day:
- Sacred Fire with cedar offerings
- Personal reflection activities
- Making of medicine pouches
- Presentations on Lacrosse: the healing game
- Bannock
- Exhibit on the 94 calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Giant floor map of North American treaties
Online: Live Sept. 25, 2023
- Event will begin at 10 am
- Videos will remain available until October 5
- FREE – Registration required to receive the event link
- The online commemorative program will include
- Opening Ceremonies
- Videos from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
- A conversation with lawyer Michelle Good, author of Five Little Indians
- An introduction to allyship by local leader Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
- Strategies for language revitalization by Georgian College
- And more
Please be advised that with the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed on the historic site for this event.
- Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time to complete payment at admissions.
- Sainte-Marie is a mask-friendly environment. Learn about our COVID-19 policy.
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on the property.
- Light snacks will be available for purchase at our gift shop. Restaurant Sainte-Marie is currently closed. Picnic areas will be open.
- Please note this tour 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.
