Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024

As recognized by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (TRC), the week of September 25-30, 2024, is Truth and Reconciliation Week.  

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is dedicated to honouring the Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities through the residential school system, as well as recognizing the tragic experiences of their families and communities. It serves as a reminder of the horrific experiences endured by many Indigenous people in these institutions, the ongoing harm and impacts of residential schools and Canada’s role in this dark but not so distant history that impacts Indigenous peoples today. Engaging in this day of reflection, education, and action allows us to contribute meaningfully to reconciliation. We encourage all social workers to participate in community events, amplify Indigenous voices, and take time to educate themselves and others about the history and ongoing impact of the residential school system.   

To those who may not be familiar with why orange shirts are worn on this day, this movement was inspired by the late Phyllis Jack Webstad, who was a Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation elder from Williams Lake, B.C. In the year 1976 when she was only six years old, Phyllis wore a bright orange shirt to her first day of school at St. Joseph Mission Residential School, but it was then forcibly taken away from her. Orange is now worn in solidarity with the survivors of residential schools, but also to pay honour and respect to Phyllis and the other children who attended Residential Schools that were never returned home to their families. In the spirit of reconciliation, we carry the hope that no other children will ever experience the pain that Phyllis and the countless other children did on that day. The day also falls in line with September, which is typically when the new school year begins (Raventrust, 2023).

Furthermore, acknowledging The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day is #80 of the 94 calls to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which states:

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

It’s important to acknowledge that Orange Shirt Day is a difficult reminder for Residential School Survivors and that healing is a lifelong journey. But wearing an orange shirt from local Indigenous communities, artists and designers and having conversations to educate ourselves and one another is one way to start. And for those looking for where to find these retailers, or events to attend with your community or additional resources, please see some of them below.

Written by MSW social work practicum student, Erik Yuson.

Upcoming Events

• September 30: Meeting at the reconciliation garden ‘Kihciy Maskikiy/Aakaakmotaani’ (Cree and Blackfoot words meaning ‘sacred medicine / save many people’) and residential school monument at the East Lawn Legislature grounds in Edmonton, AB at 2PM. Click here for more details.
  [Edmonton, AB]

• September 30: Meeting at the Confluence in Calgary, AB, to commemorate Orange Shirt Day with an Orange Shirt Day ceremony from 9:00-10:30AM. If you cannot attend in person, you can attend virtually by clicking here. Click here for more details.
  [Calgary, AB]

• September 30: Participate in the Annual Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk through the North Saskatchewan River Valley Trail in Edmonton, AB from 12:00-6:00PM, hosted by Anita Cardinal and Alethea Greyeyes. There will also be separate runs held in Saskatoon as well as Peace River. Click here for more details and registration.
  [Edmonton, AB] [Peace River, AB] [Saskatoon, Saskatchewan]

• October 1: Participate in live painting at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, AB, with First Peoples’ House artist-in-residence Jerry Whitehead who will be painting live at the University of Alberta bookstore. Participate by leaving your “mark” to complete the paintings. Artwork will also be available for sale with proceeds going to First Peoples' House, from 10AM-3PM. Click here for more details.
  [Edmonton, AB]

• October 2: Meet at the University of Alberta bookstore, where there will be traditional dancers and drummers hosted by First Peoples’ House from 11:30AM-1:30PM. Click here for more details
  [Edmonton, AB]