Monday is the fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation when we recognize the systemic oppression that Inuit, First Nations and Metis people endured at state- and church-run Residential Schools across Canada from 1876 and 1996. Alternately known as Orange Shirt Day, it is a moment when we reflect on the horrors experienced by Indigenous children who were abducted from their families and deprived of their languages, customs and heritage.
September 30th is not simply an occasion to raise awareness of the pain and abject cruelty suffered by Survivors of the Residential School system. As the National Gallery of Canada states, is a time for non-Indigenous people of Canada to “acknowledge past wrongs, address ongoing systemic issues, and work together to build respectful and meaningful relationships based on understanding and cooperation—within ourselves, our families, and in our communities, governments, places of worship, schools and workplaces”.
Since this holiday’s inauguration, a plethora of ways have emerged for non-Indigenous Canadians to acknowledge the grave injustices committed against First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities, understand the complex systemic challenges they continue to face, and work towards building a brighter shared future. Below is a sampling of how each of us can observe The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Wear an orange shirt. The practice of donning orange clothing on September 30th originally was inspired by the story of Residential School Survivor Phyllis Wenstad. In 1973 six-year-old Phyllis had her favourite piece of clothing, an orange shirt, heartlessly taken from her by administrators who forced her to wear a school uniform. You can show your solidarity with Residential School Survivors and commemorate the lives of the children who never made it home by wearing an orange top.
Participate in events observing The National Day For Truth and Reconciliation. Local governments, Friendship Centres, and various community organizations organize public events that aim to advance an understanding of reconciliation between non-Indigenous and Indigenous people.
Support Indigenous-owned businesses. Whether you visit retail establishments in First Nations communities or shop online, purchasing products from Indigenous entrepreneurs strengthens Indigenous commerce and leads to greater economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Donate to organizations that advance Truth and Reconciliation. Financially supporting foundations and other charities that are dedicated to helping Indigenous communities heal from the intergenerational trauma they have suffered is another effective way of marking this day. The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, Indspire, and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba are just a few of the organizations that perform this vital task.
Learn about Indigenous history and culture. If non-Indigenous people truly wish to advance truth and reconciliation, it is crucial that they research and absorb as much as they can about the history, customs and traditions of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. Discovering how we arrived to this point can enable us to chart the most effective journey towards genuine healing and conciliation.
