Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to remember the children who never came home, and to honor the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and Indigenous communities in Canada. It reminds us of the unfair treatment, forced assimilation, and abuse that took place in residential schools, which were open for more than 100 years, with the last one closing in 1996.
During that time, many Indigenous children were taken from their families and suffered from cultural assimilation, neglect, and abuse. Dr. Nicole Redvers, from Deninu K’ue First Nation and Director of Indigenous Planetary Health at the University of Western Ontario, says for many, this day is a dark one.
According to Redvers, Canada has come a long way but this day is just a start for what needs to be done.
Redvers has some tips for people wanting to learn more about the past and look towards the future.
September 30th is not only the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation but also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia. Orange Shirt Day helps raise awareness about the hardships faced by residential school survivors and the lasting impact on Indigenous communities.
Written by: K. Milhomens