National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
For the first time ever, Canada will be holding space to commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
This day is an important step in the reconciliation process. It is an opportunity to honour the victims, the Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
We have come to know September 30th as Orange Shirt Day. It recalls the experience of residential school Survivor Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, who at six was stripped of her new orange shirt on her first day attending a B.C. residential school in 1973. The date of September 30th was chosen because it was the time of year when Indigenous children were forcefully removed from their families to attend residential schools.
Community Care Peterborough encourages everyone to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, whether through personal reflection, education, www.nctr.ca/records/reports, and awareness activities, or by participating in Orange Shirt Day or other local events.
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of residential school experiences: 1-866-925-4419.
