September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
It is a day to commemorate the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. We honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Today is also Orange Shirt Day. A symbol of the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced. Led by Indigenous communities, wearing orange today aims raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on children, families, and communities.
History
There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996.
From 2008 to 2015 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission worked to provide those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of residential schools with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. Survivors advocated for recognition and reparations, demanding accountability for the intergenerational impacts of the harms caused.
The Commission released a final report detailing 94 calls to action and the designation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a direct response to Action 80.
Orange Shirt Day became a first step in reconciliation by bringing the truth of residential schools home. This day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School Commemoration Project and Reunion. Bringing together former students and their families from the Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in, Southern Dakelh and St’at’imc Nations in and around Williams Lake, BC in May of 2013. On that day, former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad recalled her first day at residential school at six years old when her new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her.
September 30 was chosen as the day to commemorate because it coincides with the time of year when children were taken from their homes.
By wearing orange today we stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and communities in saying “Every Child Matters”.
Resources
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation