Each year, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

The Day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. 

More than 139 residential schools operated in Canada between the 1800s and 1996, when The Gordon Residential School, in Punnichy, Saskatchewan, closed. More than 150 000 Indigenous children attended these schools. Many students suffered from harsh conditions and abuse. More than 6000 children are estimated to have died in residential schools. 

Orange Shirt Day is a day where all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange shirts, to honour survivors and victims of residential schools.  The story of the orange shirt comes from Phyllis Webstad, who at six years old, had her brand new orange shirt taken from her on her first day of residential school. The act of wearing an orange shirt shows support for Indigenous people on this day.

Five ways to honour The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

• Wear and orange shirt to show support for Indigenous peoples 

• Actively take part in a ceremony, taking time to reflect on the meaning and importance of reconciliation

• Learn more about Indigenous cultures and history from Indigenous perspectives

• Read the 94 Calls to Action

• Participate community events on September 30th. 

On September 30, Strathcona County is hosting National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is an important time to listen and learn from Indigenous voices and honour those impacted by residential schools.

In 2008, a group called the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was made. Their job was to listen to stories about residential schools and then write the stories down so we can learn from our mistakes. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission announced their 94 Calls to Action. These are 94 activities all governments, courts, businesses, schools, and people living in Canada can do to help fix the mistakes of the past and present so that all children – including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children – can grow up happy, healthy, safe, and proud of who they are.   - Spirit Bear’s Guide to the TRC Calls to Action

Remember to wear orange next Monday when École OLPH will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.