National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is dedicated to honoring the memory of the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as the Survivors, their families, and communities. It serves as a vital reminder of the painful history and lasting impacts of residential schools, and how important it is for us to continue the journey toward reconciliation.
This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.
Every Child Matters. At Clare Parker Homes we deeply value this simple yet profound truth. This year, on the 27th of September, we held a small memorial gathering at our Drop-in space hosted by our Gentle Teaching team. Between 1 pm and 3 pm, we came together wearing our orange shirts to share Bannock and beverages as a sign in remembrance of the children who never made it home. It was a time of reflection, honoring, and community.
Storytime :Honouring Orange Shirt Day (Today is Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad) | CBC Kids
Residential school survivor and founder of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad shares her story and the message that Every Child Matters with Cottonball.
Helpful Facts About the Orange Shirt Day
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a time to honor the Indigenous children who were taken from their families to attend residential schools. It reminds us of the need for healing, respect, and understanding in our communities.
Why September 30?
This date was chosen because it aligns with the time of year when Indigenous children were traditionally removed from their homes and taken to these schools.
Why the Orange Shirt?
The day is inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, who was given a bright orange shirt by her grandmother. When she went to residential school, the shirt was taken from her, symbolizing the loss of her culture and identity. The orange shirt has since become a powerful symbol of the experience of all children in these schools.
A Day of Listening and Learning
Orange Shirt Day encourages us to listen to the stories of Survivors, reflect on the impact of residential schools, and commit to understanding their history in a compassionate and open-hearted way.
Building Relationships
Wearing orange and acknowledging this day is a step toward reconciliation. It’s an opportunity to show kindness, support, and solidarity with Indigenous communities as we all work together to create spaces of care and belonging for everyone.
Some Ways to Get Involved
Join Our Gathering: Attend our memorial soiree to reflect and show solidarity.
Wear Orange: Wearing an orange shirt shows support and honors those affected by residential schools.
Engage in Conversations:
Take part in open discussions to share stories and deepen understanding.
Learn and Educate: Read, watch, or listen to stories about residential schools and share what you learn with others.
Take a Moment of Silence: Pause on September 30 to honor the children and Survivors.
Support Indigenous Communities: Show ongoing support by engaging with Indigenous artists, businesses, and initiatives.
Learn more:
The orange shirt society https://orangeshirtday.org/
Legacy of Hope Foundation
The Legacy of Hope Foundation has developed a collection of videos that accompany their exhibits and spread the word about the foundation’s mission to educate and foster awareness of the impacts of the Residential School System.
Phone number: 613-237-4806 Toll Free: 877-553-7177
NCTR - National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC was charged to listen to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educate Canadians about their experiences.
Indigenous Communities and Organizations Guide (Leddy Library)
Peoples and communities of relevance to the Great Lakes area of Southwestern Ontario and Michigan.
The Legacy of Residential School – VUCAVU
This selection of films make visible the intergenerational effects of the Residential school system. There is complexity of what has been experienced and carried forward by the families of survivors. For Indigenous people in Canada, institutions were sites of harm and assimilation into the settler colonial state.
