Facts about National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
- The Every Child Matters movement and Orange Shirt Day is about creating awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of Residential Schools.
- Why Orange? Inspired by Phyllis Webstad, who had her brand new orange shirt taken away from her when she went to residential school at 6 years old.
- On Sept 30, 2021, the Government of Canada marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to remember children who died while being forced to attend church-run and government-funded residential schools, those who survived and made it home, and families and communities still affected by lasting trauma.
- Reconciliation requires ongoing commitment and understanding to ensure that this is forever made part of Canada’s national memory.
Artwork
This drawing was created by Mi'kmaq artist Alan Syliboy. In his words, "This piece represents Chanie Wenjack making his way back to the creator. He travels through the Milky Way, where he is reunited with his mother once again. His spirit lives on without want or hardship."
"They Found Us," is a drawing created by Whitney Gould of We'koqma'q First Nation, incorporates an eagle, traditionally the one animal that can soar to the spirit world, and an orange sunset to represent the spirits of the 215 children found at a B.C. residential school making their way to the spirit world.
Every Child Matters Learning Space
In September of 2023, Unama’ki College and Cape Breton University Library partnered together to create a welcoming space and display featuring educational resources related to residential schools and reconciliation.
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