Every Child Matters. 

Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a national observance in Canada held on September 30th to recognize and address the legacy of the Indian Residential School System. This day is dedicated to acknowledging both the historical and ongoing impacts of these institutions and committing to reconciliation.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which released its final report in December 2015, played a pivotal role in bringing the stories and horrors of residential schools to public attention. For years, survivors had been denied the opportunity to share their experiences and expose the abuses faced by Indigenous children in these institutions. The national day was officially recognized in 2021, following the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops Residential School, which underscored the urgent need for acknowledgment and action.

Phyllis Webstad, a member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, founded Orange Shirt Day to honor the experiences of Residential School survivors. She chose September 30th because it coincides with the time when Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their homes to attend these schools. On her first day, Phyllis’s new orange shirt, a gift from her mother, was taken from her and never returned. For her, the color orange symbolizes the loss of identity and community, experienced by many Indigenous children. Read about Phyllis’s story here.

On September 30th, wearing an orange shirt signifies a commitment to recognizing the truths of Indigenous Peoples and Residential School survivors and pledging to work towards reconciliation. Across Canada, events on this day provide opportunities for education, honoring survivors and their families, and engaging in reconciliation efforts to address both the historical and ongoing impacts of the residential school system.

Resources

1. September 23-27: Daily Free Lunch and Learn webinars – an immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada. (for an adult audience): Link here
   
2. Free Virtual Educational Programming for teachers and students (Grades 1-12): Link here
   
3. Learn about Indigenous People’s and Cultures: Link here
   
4. Learn about “The Story of Orange Shirt Day”: Link here
   
5. CBC Kids YouTube channel features a playlist to learn more about Indigenous culture! View playlist here

Events

UBC-V Events: Link here

UBC-O Events: Link here

Coming Home: Honouring the Resiliency of All Survivors of the Indian Residential School Experience

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | 9:00 am to 4:00 pm |RSVP to Join 

Location: Online and The University Centre 

Link here

Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House

Thursday, September 28th, 2024 | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Location: Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House, 2131 Renfrew St. Vancouver

Link here

Wellness Resources

Engaging with Indian Residential School histories and legacies can lead to emotional reactions and (unexpectedly) difficult thoughts and feelings. Sometimes these can surface hours, days, or weeks later. This is perfectly normal. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, it is important to respect your needs and to be kind to yourself. 

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society Toll-Free Line 1 (800) 721-0066
  
• 24-Hour National Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419
  
• KUU-US Crisis Line 1 (800) 588-8717
  
• Tsow-Tun-Le Lum 1 (866) 925-4419
  
• Indigenous Wellness Program (604) 675-2551 or 1 (866) 884-0888
  
• Canadian Mental Health Association1 (800) 555-8222
  
• HeretoHelp 1 (800) 661-2121
  
• First Nations Health Authority – Mental Health Benefit
  
• Métis Nation BC – Mental Health Services
  
• Kids Help Phone1 (800) 668-6868
  
• Crisis Services Canada 1 (833) 456-4566 or text 45645
  
• First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1 (855) 242-3310