Recognizing Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th is an important day. A day for reflection and action. September 30th marks Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada (also known as Turtle Island). It’s an opportunity to take the time to learn and reflect on how we can take action about the tragic history and mistreatment of people that identify as Indigenous.
We are honoured to offer a number of educational and commemorative activities throughout the day on September 30th. Members of Winnifred Stewart are encouraged to wear an Orange Shirt, take the time to educate (or re-educate) ourselves on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, and to honour the children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools here in Canada.
As an organization, in 2022 we are committed to:
Continue learning by reviewing the 94 calls to action within the leadership team and sharing this with all teams.
Reviewing and revising policies to ensure they are equitable and respectful.
Designing new programs using an approach that integrates diverse perspectives at the start of the process and in governance and decision making.
Including land recognition during all gatherings and, through organizational published materials (including our website, business cards and printed material).
How can you take action? “Do Something” Take ReconciliACTION!
A reconciliACTION is a meaningful action that moves reconciliation forward. ReconciliACTION’s aim is to bring people together in the spirit of reconciliation to create awareness, share, and learn.
Examples of individual and community actions:
Visit a local Indigenous organization, Friendship Centre, community group or museum.
If invited or open to the public, attend local Indigenous cultural events taking place in your community.
Purchase products from Indigenous-owned businesses.
Raise funds or donate to an Indigenous-led charity.
Find out more here.
September 30th has been declared Orange Shirt Day, in recognition of the harm the residential school system did to children's sense of self-esteem and wellbeing, and as an affirmation of our commitment to ensure that everyone around us matters.
The History of Orange Shirt Day
Phyllis (Jack) Webstad's story in her own words...
I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. I had just turned 6 years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. 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. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! 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. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.
I was 13 years old and in grade 8 when my son Jeremy was born. Because my grandmother and mother both attended residential school for 10 years each, I never knew what a parent was supposed to be like. With the help of my aunt, Agness Jack, I was able to raise my son and have him know me as his mother.
I went to a treatment centre for healing when I was 27 and have been on this healing journey since then. I finally get it, that the feeling of worthlessness and insignificance, ingrained in me from my first day at the mission, affected the way I lived my life for many years. Even now, when I know nothing could be further than the truth, I still sometimes feel that I don’t matter. Even with all the work I’ve done!
I am honored to be able to tell my story so that others may benefit and understand, and maybe other survivors will feel comfortable enough to share their stories.
Phyllis (Jack) Webstad via www.orangeshirtday.org
Commemorative Events & Activities
September 30th, 2022 WSAF Commemoration Activities
9:30AM
Land Acknowledgement by Emily Ruttan & Indigenous Facts Videos – Atrium
10:00AM
Bannock Making with Barbara Lagrelle – Kitchen (Limited Spots)
10:00AM
Feather Craft – Art Room
10:00AM
Scavenger Hunt – Grab sheets in Horticulture Room
1:00PM to 1:45PM
Drumming & Singing by Kâhkâkiw Iskwao - Gym
1:00PM
Indigenous Dance & Song Videos – Atrium
A Day to Listen
September 30th
6:00am – 6:00pm
All major local radio stations
Bent Arrow Virtual National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Event
September 30th
1:00pm-4:00pm
Facebook Live
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
AS OF DECEMBER 15, 2021, six years have passed since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its six-volume Final Report. In addition to providing a documentary record of Canada’s genocide as experienced by Indigenous children, the TRC released 94 Calls to Action to address the ongoing legacy of the Indian Residential School System (IRSS). These Calls to Action challenge the structures and attitudes in Canadian society that continue to perpetuate the marginalization of Indigenous peoples so as to advance the process of reconciliation.
Completed Calls to Action – December 2021
Resources:
Hope for Wellness Help Line - 1-855-242-3310
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer:
counselling
crisis intervention
Hope for Wellness counsellors have diverse educational and professional backgrounds, knowledge on a variety of topics, and demonstrated cultural competence. When you call the Hope for Wellness Helpline you will speak with a knowledgeable professional who will listen, discuss support and resources,
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
Calls to Action Accountability: A 2021 Status Update on Reconciliation – Executive Summary
