On September 30th, Beaver River Broadband, together with our fellow Canadians, honor and commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
It’s a day to pay tribute to the incredible strength, dignity, and courage of those who survived the painful legacy of residential schools.
What Is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation?
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a Canadian observance that was established to honor and remember the legacy of Indigenous residential schools in Canada. It falls on September 30th each year. This day is an important part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to address the historical mistreatment and cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples through the residential school system.
The residential school system, which operated for over a century, forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families and communities, subjecting them to abuse, neglect, and attempts to erase their cultural identities. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a day of remembrance, reflection, and education about this painful chapter in Canadian history.
In August 2021, the Canadian government passed legislation designating September 30th as a federal statutory holiday, “to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honor 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” according to gov.bc.ca.
This allows Canadians to recognize and reflect upon the dark history of the residential school system and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Many Canadians use this day to participate in activities and events that promote understanding, healing, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Why Do We Wear Orange Shirts On This Day?
The practice of wearing orange shirts on this day originated from the story of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of a residential school in Canada. In 1973, on her first day at the school, her new orange shirt, which was given to her by her grandmother, was taken away from her. The shirt became a symbol of the loss of identity, culture, and family experienced by Indigenous children in residential schools.
The orange shirt has become a powerful symbol of reconciliation and a means to raise awareness about the need to address the legacy of residential schools, promote truth and reconciliation, and work towards a more just and equitable future for Indigenous peoples in Canada.
National Day for Truth And Reconciliation In Canada: Conclusion
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honor survivors, remember those who never returned, and educate ourselves about the lasting impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities.
Beaver River Broadband proudly stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities on this important day. Together, we can work towards a future of healing, and mutual respect.