National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event
Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The City of Belleville will be hosting a special ceremony on Sept. 30, 2025 beginning at 11 a.m. in Market Square (behind City Hall, 169 Front St.) to honour this important event. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange in honour of Orange Shirt Day.
Speakers, Performers and Vendors
| Chief R. Don Maracle |
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Chief R. Donald Maracle has served as Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte since 1991. As Chief of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Maracle has successfully advocated for his community and directed its revitalization as an economically and culturally vibrant nation. |
| Greg Loft |
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Greg Loft is an Indigenous Fire Keeper who is dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional knowledge of fire as a sacred element. A Fire Keeper is someone entrusted with the sacred responsibility of tending and caring for the fire during Indigenous ceremonies, gatherings, and teachings. |
| Jennifer Brant and Kieran Edwards |
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Jennifer E. Brant - Yakothehtón:ni is a singer, songwriter, educator and artist from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory (Kenhté:ke), Ontario. She sits with the Bear Clan and is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. Her songs reflect her connection to her Kanyen’kéha (Mohawk) culture, as well as the people and places that surround her. |
| Joe Sanford |
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Joe Sanford is a self-taught Mohawk beader from Tyendinaga Territory, Ontario. He began his creative journey making dreamcatchers and beaded jean jackets before taking a 30-year break from the craft. Growing up in Toronto, he learned much of his beadwork through conversations with other makers and later received guidance from community members in Tyendinaga. Now living closer to his Territory, Joe continues to expand his skills, drawing inspiration from local artisans and workshops. |
| Fred Leonard |
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Fred Leonard Jr. is a Mohawk author who grew up in Toronto with little connection to his Indigenous roots. His journey of discovery began in his 20s after reading Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, sparking a lifelong passion for learning about Indigenous culture, spirituality, and history. Guided by elders, family connections, and spiritual experiences, Leonard Jr. was inspired to co-author Grandma’s Spirit (2021) with his great-grandmother, Yontheraha:wi (“she carries the basket”). The book shares her first-hand story of life on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in the late 1800s and early 1900s, alongside Leonard Jr.’s own reflections on Mohawk history, resilience, and traditions. His work seeks to honor his ancestors and ensure their stories live on for future generations. |
| Linda Bogert |
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Linda Bogert is a Mohawk artist and author. She wrote the book Tormented by Ghosts and is the owner of Sacred Feather Creations. |
Accessibility
An ASL interpreter will be on site during the event. Accessible parking spaces are available along Market Square on Market Street and McAnnany Street.
Disclaimer
The City of Belleville is committed to hosting safe, welcoming, and inclusive events/meetings for all community members, volunteers and staff. As part of this commitment, we will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, and violence of any kind.
By attending this event, you agree to engage respectfully with others—event staff, volunteers, and community members alike. Any behavior that violates the City’s Harassment, Discrimination and Violence Policy may result in immediate removal from the event and further action as appropriate. We thank you for helping us create a space where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected.
Additional Information and Resources
In addition to the Sept. 30 ceremony, the Belleville sign, Bridge Street Bridge and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will be lit in orange for the week. The flag at City Hall will also be lowered to half-staff as we remember and mourn all victims of the residential school system.
Explore the below local and national resources to learn more about Indigenous history and culture: