Trigger warning: readers may be triggered by the recount of Indian Residential Schools. To access a 24-hour National Crisis Line, call: 1-866-925-4419. Community Assistance Program (CAP) can be accessed for citizens of the Anishinabek Nation: 1-800-663-1142. ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE
(September 30, 2021) – The Anishinabek Nation acknowledges Canada’s commitment to honour survivors of Indian Residential Schools through the establishment of a federal statutory holiday on September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“September 30, 2021, marks the day of the first nationally recognized holiday for and about Indigenous people that draws attention to the oppression at Indian Residential Schools,” states Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe. “Importantly, this new statutory holiday provides the space for education and awareness of the injustices of Residential Schools for our non-Indigenous counterparts, but also provides Indigenous people with a day to reflect, honour, and recognize this day in a way that is appropriate to their healing journey.” According to the Government of Canada, the day is intended to honour the lost children and Survivors of Indian Residential Schools, their families and communities.
Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of Indian Residential Schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. “The Government of Canada has responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80, ‘…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.’ Almost six years after the Calls to Action were released, we finally have this day of recognition,” states Grand Council Chief Niganobe. “Although there is still much work to be done with regards to Indian Residential Schools and the continued recoveries at sites, it is a positive step in reconciliatory efforts by both levels of government.”
The new federal holiday also takes place on Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day established in 2013 that honours the children that survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. The day relates to the experience by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad on her first day at Residential School when her new orange shirt, gifted to her by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year-old girl. It is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. The date for Orange Shirt Day was selected as it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to Residential Schools.
On this day, all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of Indian Residential Schools and to honour the Survivors. In addition to wearing orange, Canadians are encouraged to continue to learn more about the history of Indian Residential Schools and their assimilation practices. Indian Residential School educational resources are available through the Anishinabek Nation by visiting https://www.anishinabek.ca/
