September 30th.
Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
For more than a century, Canada's residential school system took First Nations, Inuit and Métis children from their homes, families, their languages and cultures. More than 150, 000 children attended these schools. As we have come to know, many never came home. Survivors, their families and their communities still carry its lingering effects today. This day honours them.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples carry a history that is ESSENTIAL to the story of this country. It Deserves to be told in their own voices, and heard with care. For those of us who never had to live this, it can be hard to know what to say exactly. Eddy Charlie, a Survivor of the Kuper Island Residential School, has asked people not to rush to respond, but to " sit, hear the story".
So this post isn't a commentary. It's a small collection of trusted sources and first-hand stories. We share them with respect, and encourage you to take the time to read each one, consider it, and reflect on what it asks of all of us.
https://lnkd.in/g96T7JPv
The Indigenous-led organization behind Orange Shirt Day and the message Every Child Matters. 🧡
https://nctr.ca/
A Survivor-guided centre that safeguards the truths of more than 7,000 Survivors and millions of residential school records.
https://lnkd.in/gm2XvYGC
The 94 Calls to Action from the Commission's 2015 final report. The national day itself answers Call to Action 80.
https://lnkd.in/gHrRzxkc
The Government of Canada's overview of the day, its origins, and ways to take part.
Their stories, in their own words.
At six, Phyllis Webstad wore a new orange shirt from her granny to St. Joseph Mission. It was taken on her first day. Her story became Orange Shirt Day.
https://lnkd.in/g_BPhUUW
Mary Courchesne recalls her first day at Fort Alexander Indian Residential School.
https://lnkd.in/d8gPRcTr
In her 80's, Phyllis Kretschmer shared her experience at Marieval Indian Residential School, so it wouldn't be forgotten.
https://lnkd.in/dbMy9Bcx
Eddy Charlie reflects on his years at Kuper Island, and why listening matters more than responding.
https://lnkd.in/dqxVzTSv
Audrey & Roberta Hill Two Survivors of the Mohawk Institute in Brantford, Ontario, share their experiences.
https://lnkd.in/dFZ6Y_di
We hope you set aside a moment today to reflect and read the individual stories. Each one belongs to a person, a family, a community. Listening to them is one way we can all keep learning, today and throughout the year.
