Today we wear orange.
Today we reflect on past mistakes that caused pain and suffering, and to this day, still haunt many Indigenous families.
September 30th 2021 is the first time in Canadian history, the country recognizes this day as a statuary holiday - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
This is a step that should have been taken a long time ago but still, it’s a step in the right direction as Canadians begin to realize the magnitude of the harm caused to Indigenous communities and honour the lives lost as well as the survivors.
First residential school opened its doors In 1831, the last one closed in 1996.
Residential schools were created by Christian churches and sponsored by Canadian government. The main idea behind their existence was the attempt to educate Indigenous kids and assimilate them into Canadian society. They were separated from their parents, their homes; they were not allowed to speak their first language; they were stripped off of their traditional clothes and their culture and spiritual traditions were dismissed and scorned.
Image of a Residential School in Canada / Photo credit:
The New York Times
150 000 children attended residential schools across Canada and, in the words of one of the residential school survivors - Phyllis Webstad, “each family has a story to share”. Over 3000 unmarked graves, of mostly children, have been found over the past few decades. It is believed the numbers will rise as the total number of deaths is believed to be anywhere between 6000 to 25 000.
My heart goes out to each and every person, affected by these horrific events.
Let’s use this day to educate ourselves on a piece of history that needs to be shed light on; let us recognize our past mistakes and learn from the tremendous pain of their consequences.
Today we wear orange.
Today we learn.
Today we honour.
🧡🧡🧡
This is so important. I wish all the provinces would recognize it as an official statutory holiday. So much more significant than some others! I live in Alberta, and I will be taking some time for quiet reflection, regardless of whether it is an official day off or not. I will wear orange also. Thank you for this post. It may or may not earn a lot, but it is a very significant topic and I, for one, am very glad you took the time to write it.
Thank you, I agree 100%. I’m fortunate enough to work at a company that recognizes the tragedy and invests in educating its employees on what truly matters. Even if the province of Quebec chose not to make today an official holiday.
I’m glad this post reaches people 🧡 Thank you for your words and for taking the time to reflect today 🧡
I live in Alberta too!
Thank you for raising awareness. We need to remember, and build a better future.
Thank you for your comment. And yes, absolutely!
A couple of book recommendations:
The Marrow Thieves
Braiding Sweetgrass
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