Today, September 30, 2021, marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Today we honour the lost children and survivors of the residential school system, their families, and their communities. We recognize that all settlers have a responsibility to learn and understand the truth of Canada’s past and the challenges that are still faced today by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, to listen to survivors, and to reflect on the meaning of, and the path towards, reconciliation.
Here are some steps that we can take today and ongoing actions for the future to create a better and more equitable country. We can all create our own personal calls to action to stand in solidarity with all generations of residential school survivors.
- Learn about the history of the residential school system and listen to the stories of survivors.
- Read Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s story of how her shiny new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day at the Mission school.
- Wear an orange shirt and/or display an orange shirt in your window to show solidarity and that every child matters. If you purchase a branded orange shirt, ensure that it was created by an Indigenous designer and/or that proceeds are going to an Indigenous cause or charity.
- Share the history of residential schools with others; your friends, family, and community, even young people.
- Learn about the contributions and successes of Indigenous people as well as the challenges that are still faced by their communities.
- Speak out if you witness negative perceptions and stereotypes of Indigenous people.
- Support Indigenous artists and businesses, and read books by Indigenous authors.
- Read The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s reports and the Calls to Action. Learn about what your elected officials are doing to address these calls.
- Make a donation if you can to an Indigenous organization
If you, or anyone you know needs support, please reach out:
The National Residential School Crisis Line | 1-866-925-4419
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) | 1-800-721-0066
To reach the Kids Help Line text CONNECT to 686868
Important organizations to follow and support
Resources
A virtual event that is open for all Canadian schools, grades 5 – 12, and the general public. Live events are being recorded and will be available for future viewing.
Treaties and Agreements
Learn about historic and modern treaties in Canada, treaty rights and the treaty relationship.
Indigenous Canada offered by The University of Alberta
From an Indigenous perspective, this free online course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.
The Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Website
There are lots of great resources and opportunities to learn more about how we can ensure a better future for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
A Truth and Reconciliation Discussion Guide
A guide for parents, kids, and educators
Orange Shirt Day Reading List
A collection of books from the Canadian Children’s Book Centre
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