City Facilities closing Thursday to honour Truth and Reconciliation Day

The City of Merritt will be recognizing the first official Truth and Reconciliation day on September 30th.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established as a day of remembrance: an opportunity to recognize the tragic history of loss caused by the Canadian residential school system. It honours Indigenous residential school survivors, their families and communities” reads a press release from the City.

“As part of this formal recognition, all city facilities (with the exception of scheduled events at the Merritt Civic Centre and Nicola Valley Memorial Arena) will be closed on Thursday, September 30, 2021.”

“The City of Merritt regards that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. We encourage all residents and employees to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, whether through personal reflection, education, awareness activities, or by participating in events within our community.”

Earlier this year the BC Government formally recognized September 30th following the Federal Government pronouncing the day a Statutory Holiday.