Truth & Reconciliation Awareness Week
Orange Shirt Day, observed annually on September 30th, is more than a day of remembrance. It is a crucial part of Canada’s journey toward truth and reconciliation, recognizing the devastating impact of the Indian Residential School system on Indigenous communities. This day serves as a reminder of the resilience of survivors, the enduring harm caused by these schools, and our collective responsibility to acknowledge this dark chapter in Canadian history. The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is a recently established national holiday, but was proceeded by the grassroots movement known as Orange Shirt Day and Every Child Matters.
The History of Residential Schools in Canada
From the late 1800s to the late 20th century, the Canadian government, in partnership with churches, operated a system of residential schools designed to assimilate Indigenous children. More than 150,000 children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in these institutions. Stripped of their cultural identities, the children were often subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The goal was to "kill the Indian in the child" by denying them their languages, traditions, and family connections. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established in 2008, sought to investigate and document these atrocities. The commission collected the testimonies of survivors and outlined 94 Calls to Action in its 2015 report, aimed at redressing the legacy of residential schools and advancing reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
"Every Child Matters" is a phrase that embodies the spirit of Orange Shirt Day and the broader movement for truth and reconciliation in Canada. The slogan serves as a powerful reminder of the value and dignity of every child, particularly in the context of the tragic legacy of residential schools. The phrase gained prominence through the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day at a residential school, symbolizing the erasure of her identity. This act represents the broader mistreatment of Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families and subjected to physical, emotional, and cultural abuse. By highlighting that "Every Child Matters," the movement emphasizes that no child should ever be devalued, neglected, or forgotten.
The Importance of Truth and Reconciliation
Reconciliation is not just about reflecting on the past but also committing to meaningful change. For non-Indigenous Canadians, this means acknowledging the harm done, listening to the voices of survivors, and taking active steps to address systemic inequities that persist in Indigenous communities today. These efforts must go beyond symbolic gestures; they need to include real political, social, and economic actions. The TRC’s Calls to Action emphasize education, cultural preservation, and healing. Whether it’s ensuring that the history of residential schools is taught in classrooms, supporting Indigenous languages and traditions, or advocating for the welfare of Indigenous children today, reconciliation requires ongoing effort and engagement from all Canadians. Check out this article in CGSA's GreenMaster magazine to learn more about how the GTI is working to support Indigenous scholars, students, and community members at the University of Guelph campus.
Moving Forward: How You Can Get Involved
- Wear Orange on September 30th: By wearing orange, you show solidarity with survivors and acknowledge the history of residential schools
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the history of residential schools and Indigenous issues in Canada. Encourage others to engage in meaningful conversations about truth and reconciliation. Check out the link below for a free online workshops led by Dr. Sara Stricker from the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.
- Support Indigenous-Led Initiatives: Whether it’s donating to organizations that support survivors or participating in events organized by Indigenous communities, these actions help foster healing and understanding
Connecting – Resilience – Indigenous Truth & Reconciliation (CRITR) Online Discussion Group
Join the "Connecting – Resilience – Indigenous Truth & Reconciliation" Online Discussion Group from September 23-27, daily at 3:00-4:00 pm. Each session will feature readings from the CRITR Workbook, followed by a guided discussion. All levels of familiarity are welcome in this safe and inclusive space. Participation is free, and you can join us online. If you would like, you may purchase your own copy of the workbook here.