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Wednesday marks the sixth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — an annual commemoration honouring the children who died while attending residential schools and the survivors, families and communities still affected by the legacy of the residential school system.
It is designated as a federal statutory holiday and was recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in its 94 calls to action.
What’s happening
Sipekne’katik First Nation will be holding events at the residential school memorial site in Shubenacadie starting at 10 a.m.
Activities extend into the early afternoon with remarks from community leaders, cultural teachings and a BBQ lunch. There are also activities for kids involving talking sticks, medicine bags and dream catchers.
In Halifax, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will show Indigenous-created short film screenings from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the museum is free for Indigenous people on Wednesday.
A few museums will be open and free to the general public on Wednesday, including:
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.Ross Farm Museum.Clifton Museum.
All Saints Anglican Cathedral in Halifax will host a program featuring author Chris Benjamin talking about the legacies of the Shubenacadie Residential School based on his book Indian School Road.
Halifax City Hall will be illuminated orange until Oct. 2.
CBC will report live from Ottawa from noon to 2 p.m. AT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC News Network, CBC News streaming channels, the CBC News app and the CBC News YouTube channel.
What’s open, what’s closed
Most grocery stores and drug stores are open.
Most malls and stores are open, but with limited hours.
NSLC stores are closed.
Halifax Public Libraries are closed.
Transit
Halifax Transit buses and ferries will be operating on holiday service on Wenesday, Sept. 30. There will be no Woodside ferry service.
The Alderney ferry service will run at half-hour frequency, with the first crossing departing the Alderney terminal at 7:30 a.m. and the final crossing leaving the Halifax terminal at 11:45 p.m.
A news release from the city said all buses will pull over at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday for a moment of silence in memory of the children who never returned home from residential schools, survivors, and their families and communities.
Waste collection
There will be no change to municipal solid waste collection services.
Recreation and entertainment
All city-run recreation facilities will be closed on Wednesday. Residents are advised to call ahead for operating hours and program information.
Parking
On-street parking will be free Wednesday.
Banks
All banks are closed.
311 call centre
The 311 contact centre will be closed on Wednesday for full service. Urgent calls can still be reported during the holiday. Regular operating hours will resume on Thursday.
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