(An early evening ceremony for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was held on September 30, 2026 at the W.J. Bell Peace Park. The ceremony was co-hosted by the Ottawa-Stittsville Rotary Club and the Legacy of Hope Foundation. Photos: Stittsville Central)
On the evening of September 30th, the Ottawa-Stittsville Rotary Club and the Legacy of Hope Foundation brought the Stittsville community together at the W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park to observe the 6th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada was held in 2021 to recognize the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and the Survivors of these institutions. The Day is a time for reflection, learning, and community connection as the country walks together toward a more just and inclusive Canada.
The Day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, first honoured in 2013 by the founding non-profit organization, the Orange Shirt Society, to honour Phyllis’ story, a six-year old, whose new orange shirt was taken on her first day at residential school. Orange Shirt Day reminds everyone that ‘Every Child Matters’ and recognizes the injustices that the Indigenous Peoples experienced. It is a day to acknowledge the past and ensure that history never repeats itself.
As attendees entered the W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park, Indigenous music filled the air being played by DJ Powrhaus Music. They visited the displays, created artistic canoes, painted rocks, all of which was set-up by the Rotarians and the Legacy of Hope Foundation.
It was a moving event, opening with Rotarian Co-President, Dave Rooke sharing a meaningful introduction and thanking everyone in attendance. Indigenous Elder, Barbara Hill, spoke about residential schools and provided a blessing of the land. In turn, Teresa Edwards, Director of the Legacy of Hope Foundation, shared her meaningful words then led an Indigenous ceremony with a spiritual smudging around the parameter of the labyrinth.
Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian. It means acknowledging the past and ensuring history never repeats itself by respecting Indigenous treaties and rights while letting go of negative perceptions and stereotypes to work towards solidarity.
Peace and Conflict Resolution is a core pillar of Rotary International’s mission, and the Rotary Club of Ottawa-Stittsville has a long-standing commitment to supporting Indigenous organizations in this spirit. Visit stittsvillerotary.com to discover more.
