Orange Shirt Day: Honoring Residential School Survivors and Advancing Reconciliation in Canada’s Journey Forward

Orange Shirt Day: Honoring Residential School Survivors and Advancing Reconciliation in Canada’s Journey Forward

Orange Shirt Day, recognized in Canada as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is observed annually on September 30. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the harm caused by the residential school system, a system that aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. The day is dedicated to reflecting on the deep intergenerational trauma faced by Indigenous communities and honoring the children who never returned home. It's also an opportunity for Canadians to learn, understand, and engage in the process of reconciliation.

 

Origins of Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day traces its origins to the personal story of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the residential school system. In 1973, six-year-old Phyllis was sent to St. Joseph's Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Before attending the school, Phyllis' grandmother bought her a brand new orange shirt as a symbol of love and care. On her first day at the residential school, the shirt was stripped away from her, never to be returned. This act, seemingly small, left a deep emotional scar on Phyllis, symbolizing the loss of her identity, culture, and sense of belonging.

Phyllis' story, shared years later, resonated with many survivors of residential schools. Her orange shirt became a symbol of the thousands of Indigenous children who faced similar mistreatment and were denied their culture, language, and connection to family. In 2013, Orange Shirt Day was first commemorated to honor the experiences of residential school survivors, acknowledge their trauma, and affirm that "Every Child Matters."

Residential Schools: A Dark Chapter in Canadian History

To fully understand the significance of Orange Shirt Day, it is essential to explore the history of the residential school system in Canada. This system, which operated from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century, was a key component of the Canadian government's policy of assimilation. Over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and sent to residential schools, which were predominantly run by Christian churches.

The primary aim of these schools was to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian society by erasing their languages, cultures, and identities. The children were prohibited from speaking their native languages, practicing their traditions, or maintaining ties with their families and communities. The environment within the schools was often harsh, with many students enduring emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Nutritional neglect, poor living conditions, and substandard education were common.

One of the most devastating consequences of the residential school system was the loss of language and culture among generations of Indigenous peoples. Children who returned home after years in residential schools often found themselves disconnected from their communities and unable to communicate with their elders. The long-term effects of this disconnection still resonate today, as many Indigenous communities continue to struggle with the revitalization of their languages and cultural practices.

Beyond the loss of culture, the psychological and emotional trauma inflicted by residential schools has resulted in lasting intergenerational impacts. Many survivors of the system have dealt with post-traumatic stress, depression, and substance abuse, and their children and grandchildren have often inherited the emotional scars. The pain inflicted by the residential school system continues to manifest in various socio-economic challenges, including poverty, mental health issues, and overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.

 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The legacy of residential schools was brought into public awareness in a significant way with the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) in 2008. This commission was established as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history. The TRC's mandate was to document the experiences of residential school survivors and provide recommendations for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

Over the course of six years, the TRC gathered testimonies from more than 6,750 survivors, families, and community members, culminating in its final report in 2015. The report detailed the widespread abuse, neglect, and cultural genocide that Indigenous children experienced in residential schools. It also called upon the Canadian government and society as a whole to engage in the process of reconciliation.

The TRC's final report included 94 "Calls to Action," which outlined specific steps to address the legacy of residential schools and promote healing. These Calls to Action emphasized the need for education, the preservation of Indigenous languages, improvements in health care for Indigenous communities, and the commemoration of residential school survivors. One of the most significant recommendations was the establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honor the victims and survivors of the residential school system.

The Establishment of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In 2021, the Canadian government formally recognized September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal statutory holiday was created to fulfill one of the TRC's Calls to Action and provide an opportunity for Canadians to engage in meaningful reflection and education about the country's colonial history.

While Orange Shirt Day had already been widely observed by individuals, communities, and organizations across the country, the formal designation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation added a level of official recognition and importance. The day serves not only to commemorate the victims of residential schools but also to inspire action toward healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is now a time when Canadians are encouraged to attend events, participate in educational activities, and engage in conversations about the legacy of residential schools and the broader impacts of colonization. It is a day to honor the resilience of Indigenous peoples and to reflect on the ongoing work that needs to be done to address the inequalities and injustices they continue to face.

The Role of Education in Reconciliation

One of the core messages of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is the importance of education. The residential school system was designed to erase Indigenous identities through education, and the path to reconciliation requires educating all Canadians about the true history of these schools and the colonial policies that supported them.

For many years, the history of residential schools was absent from mainstream Canadian education. Generations of Canadians grew up unaware of the atrocities committed within these institutions and the profound harm they caused to Indigenous communities. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to change this narrative and include Indigenous perspectives in school curricula.

Teaching the history of residential schools is essential for fostering understanding and empathy among non-Indigenous Canadians. It is through education that misconceptions can be dispelled, stereotypes can be challenged, and mutual respect can be built. Many schools now incorporate lessons about the residential school system into their programs, ensuring that future generations are better equipped to engage in reconciliation.

Healing and Reconciliation Efforts

Reconciliation is a multifaceted process that involves addressing the historical injustices inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and working toward healing and justice in the present day. While the recognition of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are important steps, they are only part of a larger ongoing effort.

Healing from the trauma of residential schools requires time, resources, and support for Indigenous individuals and communities. Many survivors of the residential school system are still living with the psychological scars of their experiences, and addressing their mental health needs is critical. Programs that offer culturally appropriate counseling, traditional healing practices, and community support are essential in helping survivors and their descendants heal.

Moreover, reconciliation involves addressing the systemic issues that continue to affect Indigenous communities today. This includes ensuring access to clean water, quality education, adequate health care, and equitable opportunities for economic development. The Canadian government has made commitments to improving the living conditions of Indigenous peoples, but there is still much work to be done to fulfill these promises.

Reconciliation also requires non-Indigenous Canadians to acknowledge their role in perpetuating systems of inequality and to actively participate in the process of change. This can involve supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, advocating for policy changes that benefit Indigenous communities, and challenging racist or discriminatory attitudes and behaviors.

The Importance of Symbolism and Action

While Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are symbolic in nature, they are also a call to action. Wearing an orange shirt on September 30 is a way of showing solidarity with Indigenous peoples and acknowledging the pain and loss caused by the residential school system. However, it is important to remember that symbolism alone is not enough to achieve reconciliation.

True reconciliation requires ongoing effort and commitment. It involves listening to Indigenous voices, learning from their experiences, and taking concrete steps to address the inequalities that continue to exist. Whether through supporting Indigenous businesses, advocating for Indigenous rights, or simply having conversations about Canada's colonial past, every action contributes to the broader goal of reconciliation.

The Path Forward

As Canadians continue to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is important to recognize that reconciliation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. The scars of the residential school system will not heal overnight, and the process of rebuilding trust and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities will take time.

At its core, reconciliation is about creating a future where Indigenous peoples can thrive, free from the legacy of colonization and residential schools. It is about honoring the resilience of survivors, supporting the revitalization of Indigenous cultures, and working together to build a more just and equitable society.

As Canadians reflect on September 30 each year, the hope is that they will not only remember the children who were taken from their families but also commit to the ongoing work of reconciliation. Through education, understanding, and action, there is the potential to create a future where every child truly matters.

Photo : iStock

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