September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
At 6 years old, Phyllis Webstad wore a shiny, new orange shirt bought by her grandmother to her first day of residential school. Upon her arrival, that shirt was taken from her, and since then the colour orange has been a reminder of how she felt during that time. Today, we wear orange to commemorate the lost children, the survivors, and the families affected by residential schools. Please read more of Phyllis’ story, in her own words, here. To learn more about the story of Orange Shirt Day, please read here or watch this video.
Today is a day of remembrance and a day to honour the healing journey of survivors and their families. It is also a day of action, and a reminder that the ongoing process of reconciliation is a commitment. Please take some to listen, learn, and take steps to further your own actions.
Here are some helpful resources to start:
- Learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) and read their Highlighted Reports
- Read the 94 Calls to Action by the TRC
- Read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
- Take the Indigenous Canada MOOC from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta
Please consider donating to local and national Indigenous organizations, such as:
- Edmonton Native Healing Center
- Edmonton 2 Spirit Society
- Orange Shirt Society
- National Center for Truth and Reconciliation
- RAVEN
There is a residential school health support program set up that provides cultural and emotional support, and mental health counselling services to survivors and their families. For more information, please visit here. A 24-hour National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support to former students and can be accessed at 1-866-925-4419.
Every Child Matters.
WiSER 