Orange Background with Lit Candle and Child Shoes

09.29.2021

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place today, September 30, to recognize the tragic history and impacts of residential schools. Both days are for remembrance, solemn reflection, action, and learning.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Call to Action (#80) . The orange shirt relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad on her first day of residential school when her new orange shirt was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

The NPCA continues to have its flags lowered at its Conservation Areas to recognize the residential school survivors and the thousands of children who never made it home to their families.

Through the 2021-2031 Strategic Plan, we will begin implementing more actions that support Truth and Reconciliation, including:

  • Expanding Indigenous culture and heritage appreciation at NPCA properties.
  • Providing staff training and additional educational resources.
  • Developing engagement guidelines with Indigenous peoples for shared stewardship.

The NPCA encourages all residents and visitors of this watershed to continue to learn about Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous culture, peoples, treaties, art, history and traditions on an on-going basis.

What can we all do?

Get involved with local Indigenous Friendship Centres:

Find out if there was a residential school near you: https://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/beyond-94-residential-school-map/

Learn about Indigenous culture: https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html

Visit the Woodland Cultural Centre—the site of the Mohawk Institute Residential School is now home to a museum in Brantford, ON. They host a virtual tour every Wednesday ($10 donation).  https://woodlandculturalcentre.ca/