“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80 not only called for the establishment of a statutory holiday, but it is also an invitation to Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians to continue to reflect on the legacy and true history of residential schools. This day is set aside to honour all the children who survived residential schools as well as those that did not return. We invite everyone across the country to mark September 30 — Orange Shirt Day — by wearing orange and ‘lighting up’ our communities orange.” —Stephanie Scott, Executive Director, NCTR.
On September 30, Tomee Sojourner Consulting Inc. will be observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day recognizes and commemorates the traumatic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools in Canada and honours their survivors, their families and communities.
The call for a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is part of recommendation 80 detailed in the 94 calls to action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion events that took place in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in May 2013. This project was the vision of Esketemc (Alkali Lake) Chief Fred Robbins, who is a former student himself. It brought together former students and their families from the Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in, Southern Dakelh and St’at’imc Nations along with the Cariboo Regional District, the Mayors and municipalities, School Districts and civic organizations in the Cariboo Region. Source: The Orange Shirt Society
The history of Orange Shirt Day is presented by Phyllis Webstad, who is “Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwepemc and Irish/French heritage, was born in Dog Creek, and lives in Williams Lake, BC.” Source: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html