Each year, September 30 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. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
AECEA would like to acknowledge the significance of this day. It serves as a somber reminder of the painful history and lasting impact of residential schools in Canada as well as the systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous Peoples. On this day, we remember the thousands of Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their families, many of whom never returned home. It is a day for reflection, learning and most importantly, a commitment to a path of healing and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Let us honor the survivors, their families and those who never made it back, by making every effort to understand their stories and ensure such tragedies never happen again.
Here are a few ways you can support Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th:
- Wear an orange shirt from an indigenous artist. By wearing an orange shirt on September 30th, you commit to the enduring truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS, every day and everywhere. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day.
- Familiarize yourself with the 94 calls to action and our progress on them.
- Learn more about Indigenous history and the residential school system. Reading the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s reports is an eye-opening experience.
- Identify and acknowledge the territory where you live. The Government of Canada’s GeoViewer lets you see the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who live near you.
- Check with your local First Nations, Metis and Inuit organization to see if they’re hosting an event.
- Listening to the stories and perspectives of those Indigenous peoples and communities around you.
This day is an emotional one for many. Please be sure to refer anyone who needs assistance to the following resources:
- Former Residential School students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
- Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
For more information on this day, go here.