30/09/2024
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on September 30th in Canada, is a day to recognize and reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools that forcibly assimilated Indigenous children for over a century. These schools, funded by the government and often run by churches, removed children from their families, prohibiting them from speaking their languages or practicing their cultures. Many children faced neglect, abuse, and even death in these institutions.
The day stems from one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action, which aimed to address the deep and ongoing impact of these schools on Indigenous communities. It’s also tied to Orange Shirt Day, which commemorates the experiences of survivors and their families. The orange shirt represents the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt (a treasured gift from her grandmother) was taken from her on her first day at a residential school, symbolizing the stripping away of identity and dignity.
This day is both a memorial and a call to action for Canadians to learn about this dark chapter in their history, honour the survivors, and commit to reconciliation—meaning efforts to repair relationships, recognize Indigenous rights, and address the ongoing effects of colonization. For many, it’s a day of reflection and education, but it’s also a day to acknowledge that healing and justice are still needed.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
