NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF RAMARA
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On Friday, the staff at Township of Ramara and the staff and students of Brechin Public School unveiled their art displays that showcase the 46 articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
At 10 o'clock, students and staff from Brechin Public School joined the members of the Council and staff at the Township of Ramara Administration Building. Mayor Clarke shared opening comments and, with help from a student, raised the Every Child Matters flag.
Attendees then proceeded to the Council Chambers and listened to Erin Dixon from Truth and Reconciliation Canada, who shared the history and awareness of UNDRIP and performed a beautiful Cree song - Wildflower.
Staff and students then heard from principal Jennifer Cornick and students of Brechin Public School on the impact and importance of learning, understanding and reflecting on Canada's history and the importance of protecting the rights of the First Nation, Inuit and Métis people.
Lastly, Rosanne Irving, an Elder in the community, shared the work she has done over the past few weeks with the students and staff at Brechin Public School and the staff at the Township of Ramara in an effort to share the history and truths about the residential school system and bring awareness to UNDRIP and how it can be shared within the community.
The art display will stay in the Council Chambers until Friday, Oct. 13. The public is encouraged to drop into the Township Administration Building during business hours to view the artwork and learn more about UNDRIP.
A digital art gallery will be available on the Township's website at www.ramara.ca.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, and on June 21, 2021, the UNDRIP Act became law in Canada. This Act creates a guideline to advance federal implementation of the United Nations Declaration in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada. UNDRIP consists of 46 articles describing the specific rights and actions governments must take to protect these rights.
Prior to the unveiling and with support from Rosanne Irving and Lisa Ligers from the Simcoe County District School Board and teachers Amy Sweet and Kim Varey of Brechin Public School, staff and students took the time to review the 46 articles found within the Declaration and chose one article to review, document and illustrate for the art display.
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