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?
- Tune into the special broadcast on Sept 30 at 8 pm
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action
- Monitor progress with Beyond 94: Truth & Reconciliation in Canada
- Commit to personal actions towards truth and reconciliation
- Learn about Orange Shirt Day and wear orange to honour residential school survivors and children that never made it home.
- Listen to the stories of residential school survivors: A Day to Listen
- Watch these videos:
- Canadian Residential School History
- Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada
- Donate or purchase items (art, orange shirts) from Indigenous peoples
Get involved with local Indigenous Friendship Centres:
- Niagara Regional Native Centre: https://nrnc.ca/
- Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre: https://www.fenfc.org/
- Hamilton Regional Indian Centre: https://www.hric.ca/
- Niagara Region Métis Council: http://www.niagararegionmetiscouncil.org/
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/