Overview
On September 30, the Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canadians learn, recognize and reflect upon the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, the trauma experienced by many, and the hope for a healthy future. The day emphasizes the ongoing need for reconciliation, and building and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, a day when Canadians wear orange to recognize the ongoing intergenerational effects of residential schools and to acknowledge that “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt symbolizes the stripping away of culture, self-esteem and freedom from Indigenous children over generations.
Learn the truth about the past through events, books, films and other resources, and reach out to Elders or Knowledge Keepers, now and throughout the year.
How Orange Shirt Day began
Orange Shirt Day began in British Columbia in 2013 when a residential school survivor, Phyllis Webstad, shared her story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school. Since then, Orange Shirt Day has been an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation.
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Commemorating the Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 80, which called for a day to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
In Alberta, we commemorate the day every year, and encourage people to participate in events close to them.
Events
Reconciliation garden opening – ‘Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani’
Date: September 29
Time: 1 pm
Location: East Lawn, Legislature grounds
See the location on Google maps
A livestream of the event will be available on Alberta.ca.
Join us on September 29 at 1 pm for the opening of the reconciliation garden ‘Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani’ (Cree and Blackfoot words meaning ‘sacred medicine / save many people’).
The garden features a large stone monument by Cree sculptor Stewart Steinhauer. The monument is called ‘Mother Earth Circling: Healing from the residential school experience’ and stands as a memorial to the victims and survivors of Canada’s residential school system.
This monument is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 82nd Call to Action. Alberta will be one of the first provinces to complete this action.
The garden surrounding the monument includes traditional plants and elements to represent the children who did not make it home.
Suggested activities
Wear an orange shirt on September 30. Other suggested activities include:
- attending or organizing an online or in-person event
- reading about the legacy of residential schools
- reading the summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- watching films online about people’s experiences at residential schools
- learning about First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures
- visit a Friendship Centre
Contact
If you have a special event you would like to highlight, contact us at:
Email: [email protected]