BY: RIDA SHAH

Each year on September 30th, we recognize the victims of residential schools and honour survivors of the residential school system. Orange Shirt Day, also known as The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, helps raise awareness and commemorate the experiences of Indigenous peoples. The shirt symbols the impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples’ culture, freedom, roots, and self.

The Orange Shirt Day was begun by the Williams Lake event and Phyllis Webstad, who had been sent to a residential school in 1973. Her story of being stripped from the orange shirt she wore when she got to residential school exemplifies each Indigenous child’s story. Phyllis adopted the orange shirt as a symbol of healing and commemoration for others to remember the legacy and impact of residential schools on Indigenous and their families. The ongoing national reconciliation effort represents a powerful message that “Every Child Matters” as a cornerstone to rectify, heal and continue the difficult yet meaningful conversations to recognize the legacy and experiences of Indigenous peoples.

Our communities need to come together and remember the Indigenous families, children, and victims’ experiences as a step towards healing and reconciliation. By wearing an orange shirt on September 30th, we can all show our respect and support by standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples. As a community, we can work towards strengthening open dialogues about the legacy of residential schools and promoting the healing of intergenerational trauma.

We must continue these deep conversations as it is our responsibility as non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples to continue to educate and provide insight into the importance of Truth and Reconciliation among our communities.