Friday marks the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada.
The federal statutory holiday was one of 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
It called for a holiday to “ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
The day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which was established in 2013 to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.
When the federal statutory holiday received Royal Assent in June 2021, the New Brunswick government decided not to make it a provincial statutory holiday.
The Higgs government has since decided to make it a provincial holiday this year, but it will not be a statutory holiday.
While government departments and schools throughout the province will be closed, the holiday is optional for private sector businesses.
In addition, all federally regulated workplaces are closed on Friday, including Canada Post and Service Canada.
Municipal offices throughout the region will also be closed to observe the holiday, including in Saint John.
Saint John Transit will operate on a normal weekday service, and the City Market will be open from noon to 5 p.m.
A large-scale mural created by local Inuvialuit artist Cassandra McLaughlin will be officially unveiled at noon outside the City Market, where it has been permanently installed.
Following the ceremony, community members are encouraged to visit the Every Child Matters shadow box created by UNB Saint John’s Indigenous Advisor and students, and view short films and videos to learn about Truth and Reconciliation and its history. Market vendors are also collecting donations for the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
In Sussex, an event is being held at the Sussex Amphitheatre from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a land acknowledgement, a moment of silence, and four learning stations for Peace and Friendship Treaties, Calls for Action, Sussex Vale Indian School, and Orange Shirt Day.
Saint Andrews has planned a solemn walk from 6 to 7 p.m. at Indian Point Park. Goodwill donations are being accepted for St. Stephen’s University’s reconciliation efforts.
Former Residential School students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health support from the Government of Canada. Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to the Hope for Wellness Help Line 24/7 for counselling and crisis intervention.
