September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. On this day Canadians are encouraged to wear orange in honour of Orange Shirt Day. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
All week, our WT members have been be wearing orange shirt day pins to honour the survivors and commemorate those who did not return home. These pins were designed by a local BC Indigenous artist, and a portion of the proceeds have been donated to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to allow the Centre to continue their work with the Canadian Indigenous community.
This day is meant to be a day of reflection as well as a day of action. Start your learning journey by reading, watching, and listening to the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Participate in activities to commemorate the history and legacy of Residential Schools. Below are some resources to continue your learning journey as well as some local events happening in your community on September 30th.
Learning Resources:
National Truth and Reconciliation
List of Local Events on September 30th click here.
