September 30, 2022 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we are called upon to honour the children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. It is also a day of action for non-Indigenous Canadians to learn about the culture of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and to support Indigenous peoples.
Taking time to remember and reflect on this tragic and painful history and the ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Many of us wonder what we can do to honour this day and how we as individuals can make a difference through action. Together we can do our part. The following is information provided by the Government of Canada on ways we can do just that.
Wear orange
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30th.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family, and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
Learn about Residential Schools to honour the lost children, victims, and Survivors. And learn of the lasting and ongoing impacts on Indigenous peoples.
- Education resources for all ages, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Residential School History, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- History of Residential Schools, Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
- An Overview of the Indian Residential School System, Written by the Union of Ontario Indians
Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Report and its 94 Calls to Action.
- 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (child and adult friendly)
- ‘Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future.’ Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Follow discussions and learn about Indigenous peoples and culture from Indigenous led organizations.
- Assembly of First Nations
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
- Métis National Council
- Your local Friendship Centre
Attend an Indigenous led event on September 30 and show your support.
Look online for a local event to attend in-person.
For those of you who would like to learn more, there are many educational opportunities available. The University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada online course is a user friendly and very informative course.
This day is one step in the right direction for reconciliation and to reconcile in our minds and hearts the terrible past we share and to vow to establish and maintain a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country.
In Solidarity,
Your Component Diversity Committee