Remembering our past, moving towards healing

ITMP recognizes September 30th as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to honour the healing journeys of residential school survivors and their families, hear the truth of their stories, and commit to keeping the process of reconciliation alive.

Understanding the trauma education systems have caused and continue to cause Indigenous communities, ITMP imagines a future where education can be a source of healing and building good relations. We will be taking this day to remember, reflect, raise awareness and be part of local events that bring our community together.

There are many events to commemorate the day, including:

Sep. 30: 10am – 1pm: Tsleil-Waututh Community Pilgrimage to Commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Honour of Residential and Day School Survivors

Sep. 30: 10am – 1:30pm: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - A Day of Learning at the Port Moody Station Museum

Sep. 30: 11:00am – 2:30pm: Intergenerational Orange Shirt Day March at UBC

Sep. 30: 2pm – 4pm: Skookum Surrey–SFU Surrey Campus-National Day For Truth and Reconciliation

If you are not familiar, we encourage you to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day:

• Learn about the legacy and impacts of Canada’s residential school system through The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

• Learn about how Northern Secwepemc Elder Phyllis Webstad established Orange Shirt Day in 2013 and the Orange Shirt Day book at the Orange Shirt Day website.

Or, further increase your awareness with:

• The National Center for Truth and Reconciliation’s week-long educational program

• The 2021 Yellowhead Institute report on the status of the TRC's 94 calls to action

• The UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Center’s curated learning resources on the legacy of residential schools.

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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 Health Authority – Mental Health Benefit

Métis Nation BC – Mental Health Services

First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1 (855) 242-3310

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EVERY CHILD MATTERS

Author: Basil Giannopoulos, Vice-Chief IT Administration

Photo Credits: Province of British Columbia, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0