Here's how the GTA marked the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation | CBC News

"The Greater Toronto Area marked the fifth annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Tuesday in a variety of ways Tuesday, including flag raising, sunrise and drumming ceremonies. The day commemorates the lives lost to Canada's government-funded, church-run residential school system and honours the survivors and communities affected by ongoing trauma. In a news release Tuesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Greg Rickford said government buildings across the province would be lit orange."

""These stories are difficult to hear, but essential to acknowledge, as we come together on the journey of reconciliation," the dual statement read. The federal holiday is also known as Orange Shirt Day, a tradition that began in 2013 to honour residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, who had her orange shirt taken away on her first day at St. Joseph's Mission Residential School."

"Kevin Myran, who teaches at the centre, said drums represent resistance and resilience to him. "It means we resisted colonial way of life and held onto our ceremonies," he told CBC Radio's Metro Morning Tuesday. Niigaan Sinclair, whose father Murray Sinclair delivered the final report findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada 10 years ago, told Metro Morning that it's important to reflect on Canada's complicated history, while recognizing the strides made in the last decade."

The Greater Toronto Area observed the fifth National Day of Truth and Reconciliation with flag raisings, sunrise ceremonies and drumming events. The day commemorates lives lost to the government-funded, church-run residential school system and honors survivors and affected communities. Provincial leaders announced government buildings would be lit orange. Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 to honor Phyllis Webstad, who lost her orange shirt on her first day at St. Joseph's Mission Residential School. Toronto events included a sunrise gathering with speeches, a thanksgiving address, and drumming emphasizing resistance, resilience, reflection on history, and momentum toward reconciliation.

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