September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day).
The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived residential schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
CUPE Local 973 purchased orange t-shirts through the County’s of Wellington’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC). Proceeds from these t-shirts has gone towards supporting Anishnabeg Outreach ~ specifically the Healing Lodge and Wellness Program. Anishnabeg Outreach is a local Indigenous community partner agency which assists IAC in Social Services to support our clients with employment needs. The Healing Lodge and Wellness Program are new additions to their supports and a great resource for Indigenous clients in our communities. Information about this organization, including the opportunity to donate, can be found here: Anishnabeg Outreach – Centre for Indigenous Healing (aocan.org)
