Content Warning: References to the Residential School System
This September 30th we commemorate the story of Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Day movement, acknowledge the generational trauma inflicted by Canada’s residential school system, and show support for the safety for Indigenous youth today by wearing orange.
To learn more about Phyllis and why orange is worn, you can read her story in her own words by visiting www.orangeshirtday.org.While Orange Shirt Day began in Phyllis’ hometown of Williams Lake, it is now recognized nationally, and in 2023, was selected as the date for the statutory holiday, National Truth and Reconciliation Day (NTRD).
We hope our Indigenous audience will be able to take the day to rest, revitalize, and come together with family, friends, and community. We encourage our settler/non-Indigenous audience to wear orange in support, participate in local events, and take this day to educate themselves. The library at Simon Fraser University, for example, has many Indigenous-authored books, videos and educational resources that you can access online here. Numerous events are also held across Canada to recognize Orange Shirt Day and NTRD.
For events in your province not listed here, check out your local library!
These topics can be difficult and complex and invoke strong emotions. If you need support or find yourself in crisis, there are services available:
Indian Residential School Survivors Society Toll-Free: 1 (800) 721-0066, 24-hour: 1-866-925-4419
KUU-US Crisis Line 1 (800) 588-8717
Indigenous Wellness Program (604) 675-2551 or 1 (866) 884-0888
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1 (855) 242-3310
Author: Lexa, ITMP Blog Writer
Image Credits: https://www.albertanativenews.com/orange-shirt-day-and-threads-of-change-indigenous-teachings-insight-and-voices-in-the-classroom/
Comments