National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Recognizing and Advocating for this Special Holiday

A Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, is a day to commemorate the tragic history of residential schools in Canada. It's a day to remember the children who were taken from their families and forced to attend these schools, and to honor the survivors who continue to live with the trauma.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is also a day of action. It's a day to advocate for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It's a day to learn about the history of residential schools and the ongoing impact they have on Indigenous communities.

The History of Residential Schools

Residential schools were a system of government-funded, church-run schools that operated in Canada from the 1870s to the 1990s. The purpose of these schools was to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian society. Children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to residential schools, where they were forbidden from speaking their own languages or practicing their own cultures.

Residential schools were a place of great abuse. Children were subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. They were often malnourished and neglected. Many children died while attending residential schools.

The Legacy of Residential Schools

The legacy of residential schools is still felt today. Many survivors of residential schools continue to live with the trauma they experienced. They may have difficulty forming relationships, holding down jobs, or raising their children. They may also be more likely to suffer from mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important day to remember the history of residential schools and the ongoing impact they have on Indigenous communities. It's also a day of action, a day to advocate for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.

How to Observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

There are many ways to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Here are a few ideas:

• Attend a local event, such as a vigil, powwow, or march.
• Visit a residential school museum or memorial.
• Read books or watch documentaries about residential schools.
• Talk to Indigenous people about their experiences.
• Educate yourself about the history of residential schools and the ongoing impact they have on Indigenous communities.
• Advocate for policies and programs that support Indigenous peoples and reconciliation.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to remember, to learn, and to act. It's a day to honor the survivors of residential schools and to work towards a better future for all Canadians.

Additional Resources

• The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Orange Shirt Day
• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation