National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day we have traditionally observed as Orange Shirt Day — a grass-roots initiative begun by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad.

As a nation, we are grappling with a collective reckoning. The uncovering of unmarked graves at former residential schools is a tragic reminder of the deliberate, assimilationist policies that removed Indigenous children from their families, subjected them to unspeakable trauma, and eroded families, communities, and nations that had been here since time immemorial.

While honoring the survivors of residential schools was among the 94 Calls to Action put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, remembrance without action rings hollow. There are many opportunities to become more involved.

To acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, you can:

• research the Indigenous history of your region
• wear an orange shirt to honour survivors of residential schools and those who never made it home
• ask your health-care providers how they are responding to Call 23 iii (PDF): “Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals”
• create a back pocket reconciliation action plan
• contact your local Friendship Centre to find out how you can get more involved