National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

From https://downiewenjack.ca/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/

In June, the federal government announced the creation a new statutory holiday known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be recognized on September 30 each year. This day fulfills the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call-to-Action #80 and will serve as a day of remembrance, reflection, action and learning. Since 2013, September 30 has been known as Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize the tragic history and long-standing effects of residential schools.  

Truth and Reconciliation Call-to-Action #80: We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour  Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.   

Here are some ideas to work into your planning for Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:   

• Host a viewing of DWF’s discussion, September 30: the Inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Wear orange on September 30 to honour Survivors of residential school and those who never returned home. Support the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund by purchasing an orange t-shirt in our merch store or find a local Indigenous organization or artist to get your shirt from. 
• Tune in to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Every Child Matters webinar on September 30  
• If your company or school is closed September 30, shift Orange Shirt Day activities to the week of September 27 or Secret Path Week (Oct 17-22)  
• Host a reconciliACTION  
• Listen to the stories of residential school Survivors from A Day to Listen