Did you know that it’s National Truth & Reconciliation Week

What is it?

In June 2021, our Government passed Bill C-5 to name September 30th as a federal stat holiday and named it “National Day of Truth & Reconciliation.” This directly coincides with Action # 80 which calls upon the federal government to “honour the 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.”

We use this week to do just that. To honour, open healthy discussions, educate and to heal.

Things that we need to keep in mind:

– Canada was the Indigenous people’s home first
– They survived a genocide!
– The Indigenous are still oppressed every. single. day.
– It is estimated that basic groceries cost 20% more on reserves
– It is estimated that over 5,000 Indigenous women are still missing
– The Indigenous community makes up approximately 32% of the federal prison population, despite accounting for less than 5% of the total population in Canada
– Most reserves don’t have access to safe drinking water

Residential Schools:

– Residential schools were government-funded religious schools that were established to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture
– These schools were based on military discipline and horrible things were done to the children
– It is estimated that at least 3,200 children died while attending residential schools
– There were 140 federally run residential schools across Canada
– The last one closed in Saskatchewan in 2008

Orange Shirt Day:

Orange Shirt Day is on September 30th and was created to promote the impact that, “every child matters.” It serves as a symbol for stripping away culture, freedom and self esteem experienced by children over generations.