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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2023
“Our future, and the well-being of all our children rests with the kind of relationships we build today.”
– Chief Dr. Robert Joseph
‘The goal of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to begin the process of righting the wrongs committed against Indigenous Peoples across Canada – something in which all Canadians are called upon to participate.’ This day is meant to also encourage deeper reflection, learning, and public dialogue on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. There are lots of opportunities to engage in reconciliation activities and to learn from them, ranging from exploring what you don’t know today, to taking a deep, respectful dive into understanding (which takes a ‘lifetime’).
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. ‘On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. 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’ (source: Government of Canada).
