What Is Truth And Reconciliation Day: As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gets closer, this week, there will be a number of events in and around Vancouver to support Indigenous sovereignty and honor those who were affected by the Residential School System.
As in previous years, this year’s Orange Shirt Day (“Every Child Matters”) will also be National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is important because it shows how important it is to increase the voices of Indigenous people, start conversations by asking questions, and take on the responsibility of teaching Canadian history.
The events planned for this time in Vancouver give people a chance to become directly involved with the realities of the Residential School System and to recognize the wrongs that Indigenous communities have had to endure in the past. It’s important to remember what happened to Native American kids, and Orange Shirt Day and this anniversary happening at the same time show our dedication to making our community more aware and caring.
Joining in these activities can help the search for truth and peace by creating a shared understanding. Paying attention, learning, and sharing responsibility are all important ways to make sure that everyone understands and respects Canada’s history.
Truth and Reconciliation Day: Remembering the Victims of Canada’s Genocide
Today, September 30, is the third annual Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Reflection is very important today; it’s a time to listen to survivors talk about their memories and also remember the kids who never came home. The kids had been taken away from their families against their will and told their parents they would never see them again.
The Canadian government used to run and pay for a network of residential schools called the Residential School System. This method, according to Duncan Campbell Scott, had only one goal:
“The whole purpose of this bill is to continue until every Indian in Canada has been integrated into the political system and there is no longer an Indian question or department.”
We call them schools, but “indoctrination and torture centers” might be a better way to describe the horrible things that these kids underwent.
Remembering these schools today disproves the notion that Canada’s history of First Nations genocide is far away. Unfortunately, the mistakes our ancestors made affect more than just our generation. We are also responsible for them. Truth and Reconciliation Day is a reminder that we all need to face this dark part of our history as a society.
Who Is National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Observed By?
Canadians and the government take the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation very seriously. The children who died because of the horrible conditions in residential schools are remembered on this day. It is a powerful reminder of the wrongs done to Indigenous peoples throughout history.
The victims of the Shubenacadie Residential School and all other residential schools on Turtle Island are remembered on this day. Creating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was made possible by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s reports, which showed the terrible truths about the residential school system.
Today is important because it recalls the terrible effects the residential school system had on Indigenous communities and children. Healing, understanding, and getting along with others are important for all Canadians, and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes that. To make sure that the experiences of those who suffered in residential schools are never forgotten and that steps are taken to make the future more fair and open to everyone, as well as to raise awareness, educate, and increase empathy.
Ways To Observe National Day For Truth And Reconciliation
Listen to and read about the experiences of survivors on this National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Take part in today’s activities to help the group find truth and resolution. Recognize the complexities of this situation and, if needed, ask for help.
Participate in events that bring people together to remember the children who went missing and honor the strength of those who still live in the country. Display your support for families and children who have been through a lot by wearing an orange shirt.
You could bring attention to the issues talked about on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation by organizing educational events in your community. Supporting survivors and working toward a more caring and welcoming future are all helped by spreading knowledge and dialogue.
What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
Nationwide Orange Shirt Day, or National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is September 30. Today is an emotional tribute to the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and communities and put in residential schools against their will. As well as shedding light on the traumatic experiences that many Indigenous people had in Residential Schools, the project also wants to look at the long-lasting effects of these schools. Beyond remembering wrongs done in the past, the day is also a time to think about the effects that hurt future generations and the problems that Indigenous communities still have today.
Indigenous peoples worked together to demand a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which is now a legal holiday. It honors survivors, their families, and communities while making sure that remembering the history and legacy of residential schools is still an important part of the healing process.
Even though making September 30 a federal holiday is a good start, real progress will only be made by promoting real connections between all Canadians and Indigenous people, as described in Call to Action #80. An ongoing dedication throughout the year is needed for real efforts to bring people together.
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
By honoring the Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are clearly and meaningfully responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80, which asked for a specific day to remember the history and legacy of residential schools.
To show their dedication to understanding and dealing with the sad realities of the residential school system, the province celebrates this day every year. This group effort encourages people to get involved in local events, which raises awareness, betters understanding, and prompts reflection.
Participants in these events can connect with the historical importance of the day while also contributing to the ongoing effort to bring people together. Residents of Alberta can show support for Indigenous communities by recognizing the terrible effects that residential schools have on survivors, their families, and their children and grandchildren.
Canada’s active celebration of the Day for Truth and Reconciliation shows its continued dedication to genuine reconciliation efforts, encouraging learning, dialogue, and a shared desire to create a society that is more accepting and caring.
What is the purpose of Truth and Reconciliation Day?
Overview. On September 30, the Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canadians learn, recognize and reflect upon the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, the trauma experienced by many, and the hope for a healthy future.
During the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, everyone in Canada can think about the residential school system’s history and its lasting effects. The purpose of this day is to honor the strength, dignity, and resilience of survivors, including survivors who have lived through the same trauma multiple times. A memorial service for the children who have never come home is also held. On this day, we can also think about and teach others about British Columbia’s colonial past and how it still affects Indigenous communities today.
After voting on it on March 9, 2023, the Province of British Columbia made September 30 a legal holiday. British Columbia officially recognizes the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Allows more people to remember the history and effects of the residential school system every September 30. During this legislative action, a new law called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was made official.
When a provincial statutory holiday is made official, it means that workers in British Columbia who are eligible. The workers can choose to take a paid day off on September 30 or get extra pay if they have to work. People in British Columbia can take part in the day by wearing orange, going to local events, connecting with Indigenous-created content, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, and talking about reconciliation with family, friends, and coworkers.
What is the message of Truth and Reconciliation Day?
For the communities, it demonstrates the ongoing work of reconciliation and the path we must take together. We want to recognize everyone who supports this critical work, including the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program, knowledge keepers, and cultural supports.
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is a significant time to think about the lasting effects of Canada’s residential school system. When this event happens, it’s important to think carefully about the terrible effects and ongoing effects of this terrible historical chapter. As a nation, we should remember the children who did not make it back home and the survivors.
Imperialism and institutional bias are deeply rooted in Canadian institutions. There is a unique and important role for universities to play in shaping the futures of their communities, promoting truth, and working with others to come up with new solutions that encourage action and peace.
Each person needs to help make a strong, positive path forward that will allow for real healing. As part of the University of Georgia’s Indigenous Initiatives Strategy, Bi-Naagwad, we are committed to working toward decolonization and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, lands, and people. Recent changes include giving First Nations, Inuit, or Métis students and a faculty member at the University of Guelph two elected Senate seats each. Aiming to hire at least 15 Black and Indigenous academics and more Black and Indigenous professional staff across the University by 2025, we are committed to increasing the number of Black and Indigenous faculty and staff.
Who created Truth and Reconciliation Day?
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots campaign founded by Phyllis Webstad. Orange Shirt Day grew out of her own experiences and the experiences of other residential school survivors who attended St. Joseph’s Mission near Williams Lake.
As a result of a movement started by Phyllis Webstad, September 30 is recognized as Orange Shirt Day. Honoring the healing journeys of residential school survivors and their families, Orange Shirt Day began with Phyllis Webstad’s own experiences and those of other survivors at St. Joseph’s Mission in Williams Lake. People can have serious conversations about the history and ongoing effects of the residential school system. October 10, 2023, will be the tenth anniversary of Orange Shirt Day.
Beyond its original purpose, Orange Shirt Day has become a major event for talking about racism and bullying. This bill was created to promote deep reflection, learning, and public discussion about the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The Canadian government made September 30, 2021, a federal holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by passing Bill C-5 in June 2021. Responding right away to Call to Motion #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, this legislative action makes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a legal holiday by working with Indigenous Peoples. Honoring survivors, their families, and their communities on this day makes sure that remembering the history and legacy of residential schools remains an important part of the healing process.
How do you acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation Day?
People should be going to community events where survivors of residential school are being held or remembered. If you want to be really proactive, you could donate your day’s salary or do something that actually benefits Indigenous people — like purchasing art, beadwork or an Indigenous experience.
It is important to take a moment to recognize how important National Day for Truth and Reconciliation really is as it approaches. Sadly, it reminds us of the terrible history and long-lasting effects of residential schools in Canada, as well as the unfair treatment of Indigenous Peoples by the broader society.
Many of the thousands of Indigenous children who were taken away from their families against their will never came back. And most importantly, it shows a dedication to a path of healing and real reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
We should commit to understanding their stories and working to stop tragedies like this from happening again to honor the survivors, their families, and those who never came back.
It is suggested that all Canadians wear orange on September 30 to show respect for the thousands of children who lived through residential schools and those who never went back home. These small actions help everyone remember and acknowledge the terrible things that Indigenous Peoples have been through.
What are the hashtags for Truth and Reconciliation Day?
Key hashtags are a good place to start. In 2021, #TruthandReconciliation, #OrangeShirtDay and #EveryChildMatters were the three primary hashtags used in Tweets about the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. There was also the most used Twitter emoji in Tweets about the day in 2021.
Prior to its official recognition in 2013 and designation as a legislative holiday in 2021, Truth and Reconciliation has been talked about on Twitter for many years. As community leaders, policymakers, and curious Canadians, as well as the critical voices of Indigenous people on our program, add to this debate, it becomes more complicated.
We created a Twitter event page with relevant Tweets about the observance to get more people to join in. Additionally, there are many ways to use Twitter to actively listen to and learn from these conversations all year long, not just on September 30.
Start by looking into important hashtags. Many people tweeted about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2021 using the hashtags #TruthandReconciliation, #OrangeShirtDay, and #EveryChildMatters. On the same day in 2021, it was the most-used emoji on Twitter in Tweets.
Another group of hashtags deals with significant topics in Indigenous cultures. Men, women, and Two-Spirit people are often reported missing or killed on Twitter with the hashtags #MMIWG and #MMIWG2S. The iconic #IdleNoMore is another major hashtag with over a decade of history, functioning as a unifier in discussions about legislative reform and greater injustices in Indigenous communities. These hashtags are useful starting points for engaging in diverse and important conversations on Twitter.
In 2021, the discovery of over 1000 unmarked graves near historic residential school sites spanning British Columbia to Manitoba caused shockwaves across Canada. The recognition that many children were lost contributed to the total number of children who died during the 100-year history of the Indian Residential School (IRS) System. In response to this gloomy news, a federal statutory holiday was established in 2021.
The National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a direct result of Call to Action 80 in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report. This request emphasizes collaboration between the federal government and Aboriginal peoples to establish a statutory holiday, specifically a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The goal is to honor survivors, their families, and communities, ensuring that public recognition of the history and legacy of residential schools remains an important part of the healing process. This day is an important step toward increasing awareness, healing, and acknowledging the enormous impact of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples in Canada.
