Did you know: The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996. These schools lasted for over a century in Canada and only ended recently. In Toronto, we are on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.
Today, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is about recognizing the ongoing trauma caused by residential and day schools and to remember those who were lost, as well as survivors of the schools, and their families. It is also an opportunity to commit to the process of truth, reconciliation, and justice with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis in Toronto, and across Canada, as well as take action to heal and build a better future together.
On this day, we wear orange to help create awareness and help promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” Learn more about the history & about the Calls to Action by clicking the buttons below.
Orange Shirt Day
Today, September 30, is also known as Orange Shirt Day. This piece of clothing acts as a symbol to acknowledge and remember those who were forced to attend residential schools. Learn more why the colour orange was chosen to help create awareness by watching the video above.
Being an Ally
Being an ally is very important to help bridge the gap between the Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people. It means that you are:
- Playing an active role in ensuring that you are learning from Indigenous people from authentic, modern, reliable sources.
- Making a concerted effort to ‘call them out and then call them in.’
- Regularly engaging in deepening your understanding and not placing yourself at the center of the conversation, but seeking to understand the role that colonialism and colonialist systems play in the continued oppression of Indigenous people.
- Seeing and acknowledging the very hard work that is being done by Indigenous people to dismantle these systems and that you offer your assistance, in whatever capacity you are asked to do so.