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Memorial to residential school victims on steps of Vernon courthouse (File photo/Vernon Matters Staff)
By Pete McIntyre
Sept. 30

Armstrong supports new federal holiday to honour residential school victims

Aug 13, 2021 | 2:31 PM

The City of Armstrong is supporting the new federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The first annual event on Sept. 30 will commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools. It was created by federal legislation which passed in June and came into effect on Aug. 3, 2021.

The event was previously known as Orange Shirt Day.

Armstrong mayor Chris Pieper said the acknowledgment is meant to honour all who were lost, and the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve as a result of residential schools.

“We encourage residents to honour this day with quiet reflection and/or participation in a community event or education to ensure that the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is reflected upon,” said Pieper.

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The City of Armstrong will close its municipal office on Sept. 30 to observe the statutory holiday.

Armstrong council unanimously passed a resolution to support the federal legislation on Aug. 9.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday for employees in the federal government and federally regulated workplaces in Canada, and it is optional for other workplaces.

by Pete McIntyre
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