September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an observance that honours the survivors of residential schools and remembers those who did not return home. Known as Orange Shirt Day, this day draws its name from the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, whose orange shirt—a gift from her grandmother—was confiscated on her first day at a residential school in 1973.
Orange Shirt Day is a time to reflect on the cruel legacy of residential schools, a system supported by governmental and ecclesiastical authorities that sought to assimilate Indigenous children and eradicate their cultures. The statement “Every Child Matters” reaffirms a commitment to recognize the inherent value of every child and the resilience of Indigenous communities that continue to advocate for truth and justice.
The path to reconciliation is not easy and requires more than simply remembrance. It demands action, accountability, and a sustained commitment to repair the trust betrayed by centuries of colonial policies.
During Truth and Reconciliation week, all members are encouraged to engage in community-led events, educate themselves on the truths of our shared history, and wear orange to signal a collective commitment to ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is an excellent resource for free virtual programs, free virtual educational programming, and ongoing information about reconciliation events.
For Unifor members who will be participating in the 2024 Canadian Council in Montreal this month, orange t-shirts, with new artwork commission by Indigenous artist Dwayne Wabegijig, will be distributed for the campaign for residential school awareness.
Together, let us continue to support the calls for reconciliation and commit to social and political change to honour the spirit and intent of “Every Child Matters.”
TAKE ACTION
- Attend events in your community on September 30 that support National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Share these 24/7 helplines:
- National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
- Missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Support Line: 1-844-413-6649
- Hope for Wellness Help Line and Chat: 1-855-242-3310
- Unifor’s Education Department has a relationship with San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. This training fosters a climate that recognizes and respects the unique history of Indigenous peoples to provide appropriate care and services in an equitable and safe way, without discrimination. To find out how your local can participate, please contact education@unifor.org
- Donate to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
- Take the virtual tour at the Woodlands Cultural Center: https://woodlandculturalcentre.ca/upcoming-events/
- If you create content (Orange tees, swag, digital graphics etc) support Indigenous artists.
- Register for Unifor Education’s Turtle Island course
- Encourage support for local and regional organizations, programs or initiatives to engage in active reconciliation with Indigenous people.
- With all your efforts, please amplify Indigenous voices in your community.
Whichever action you take, please share your work with the national office and on social media so others can follow our example to do their part to demonstrate support for reconciliation.
