NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF RAMARA
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In Partnership with Brechin Public School and the Simcoe County District School Board, the Township of Ramara is commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 29 with an art display showcasing the 46 articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
"I invite the Ramara community to join us on Friday, Sept. 29, to create awareness and education around UNDRIP as we lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation," states Mayor Basil Clarke.
"This is an opportunity as a community to learn, understand and reflect on the history and impact of the residential school system and the importance of protecting the rights of the First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples."
The opening ceremonies commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will begin on Sept. 29, 2023, at 10:15 a.m.in the front area of the Township Administration Building located at 2297 Highway 12. All members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony and are encouraged to wear orange to honour the children who never returned home and acknowledge the survivors and their families.
The morning will include raising the Every Child Matters Flag and viewing the art exhibit that showcases the Grade 6, 7 and 8 students of Brechin Public School and staff at the Township of Ramara's interpretation of the 46 articles of UNDRIP. The art exhibit will take place inside the Council Chambers located at the Township Administration Building.
Weeks leading up to the commemoration, Rosanne Irving, an Elder in the community, Lisa Ligers, Instructional Facilitator of Indigenous Education for the Simcoe County District School Board and teachers Amy Sweet and Kim Varey of Brechin Public School met with the students at Brechin Public School and staff at the Township Administration Building with learning opportunities on UNDRIP. Students and staff then 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.
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. UNDRIPconsists of 46 articles describing the specific rights and actions governments must take to protect these rights.
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