Today is National Truth & Reconciliation Day, and Orange Shirt Day.
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad. As a little girl, she was taken to a residential school. Phyllis writes, “we never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school! When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again… The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared, and how I felt like I was worth nothing” (The Orange Shirt Society).
With Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis is reclaiming the colour that once represented hope and excitement. Now orange shirts represent the resilience of the indigenous community to rise no matter the odds. It is about recognizing our history—especially the messy parts—and promising ‘never again.’ The mission of the residential school system was to “convert Indigenous youth and to assimilate them into Canadian society,” by any abusive means necessary (The Canadian Encyclopedia). Orange Shirt Day seeks to celebrate indigenous youth and remind this country that we are better together; that indigenous culture is worthy of protecting and teaching for generations of Canadians to come.
Orange Shirt Day integrates seamlessly with National Truth & Reconciliation Day, whose mission is to, “[honour] the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process” (The Government of Canada).
On this special day we encourage you to take part in truth and reconciliation. Take time to learn the history of this beautiful country, engage with your local indigenous businesses and communities, and stand up for the values that make all of us uniquely Canadian.
(Image via Canva)
Posted by Ken Richter on
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