STATEMENT

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021 (Guelph, Ont.) – AgScape, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Farm & Food Care Ontario, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Grape Growers of Ontario, Ontario Apple Growers, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission, Ontario Equestrian, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Sheep Farmers and Ontario Turkey join together to observe Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours and publicly commemorates the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and lasting impact on their communities.

As agricultural organizations representing farmers across the province, we all recognize the role the agriculture industry played in the colonization of what is now known as Canada. We also acknowledge farms across Ontario are situated on treaty lands and traditional territories of many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the province.

September 30th has become a day of reflection for our nation and a day to acknowledge, listen and understand how we can better appreciate and respect all aspects of our country’s history. Collectively, we recognize the importance of truth and reconciliation and acknowledge that there is much more for us to know and understand. Therefore, it is our intention to have the day serve as a catalyst for continued learning and listening to Indigenous community members.

We encourage everyone to take some time to explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, to reflect upon the land on which we are currently residing and farming and our relationship to the land, Indigenous community members and neighbours.

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For more information
Jennifer Kyle
Manager of Public Engagement and Digital Strategy, Beef Farmers of Ontario
519.824.0334
jennifer@ontariobeef.com

or

Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519.821.8883
tyler.brooks@ofa.on.ca