We Wear Orange: Honouring the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
September 1, 2023
Every year on September 30, we observe Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour survivors and ancestors who died at residential schools, as well as families and communities who continue to be affected.
The date, September 30, was chosen because it represents the time of year when church and government would organize the removal of children from First Nations, Inuit and Métis families and communities to take them to residential schools. This was not simply a dark chapter in Canada’s history – the painful legacy of these schools continues to this day with more Indigenous children currently in foster care than there ever were in residential schools.
*With Orange Shirt Day landing on Saturday, September 30th this year, we are encouraging everyone to wear their orange shirts to the hospital during the last week of September (25 – 29).
“…Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project, opening the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It is an opportunity for all communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations to come
…several provincial governments have proclaimed Orange Shirt Day, and in March of 2019, the Government of Canada passed a bill designating September 30th National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Unfortunately, that bill died in the Senate.”
With the recent discoveries of thousands of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across the country, meaningful recognition of this day must include more than words. In 2021, the federal government officially established the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. Establishing this long overdue national statutory holiday was one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action and having it recognized provincially is a vital component of the reconciliation process. On this day, it is important that we spend time reflecting on the ongoing impacts of anti-Indigenous racism, current issues and how, as allies, we can enact reconciliatory transformation while uplifting the brilliance and sophistication of Indigenous knowledges, governance practices.
Throughout the month of September, the Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health is organizing several events to recognize Orange Shirt Day and provide opportunities for education and action.
UPCOMING EVENTS Hosted by Women’s College Hospital’s community of allies and co-conspirators with The Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health. In partnership with the Office of Indigenous Health at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the Government of Canada, the Tungasuvvingat Inuit Toronto office and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto
ORANGE SHIRT SALE & ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Every Thursday in September from1-3 p.m. in the Peter Gilgan Atrium
Join us in the Peter Gilgan Atrium every Thursday in September to experience the GCWP-IH led interactive activities and educational booth activation, featuring relevant action items from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This activity offers an opportunity for commitment towards meaningful reconciliation from our community at WCH and beyond. The Proceeds from sales and non-perishable food donations will go to Tungasuvvingat Inuit, an urban services provider that offers community supports for Inuit of all ages.
*With Orange Shirt Day landing on Saturday, September 30th this year, we are encouraging everyone to wear their orange shirts to the hospital during the last week of September (25 – 29).
ART AS MEDICINE: HONOURING THE SACRED SPIRIT OF OUR STORIES Wednesday, September 27 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. | WCH Auditorium
Join us for a moderated discussion focused on the transformative power of Indigenous art and storytelling practices. Panelists share their insights on how artistic expression furthers community connection, challenges negative stereotypes, and nurtures & strengthens kinship to push back forces of fracture imposed by colonial assimilation policies and the residential school system.
Opening Remarks: Jack Woodman, VP Strategy, Quality, Risk & Privacy Traditional Opening & Closing: Elder Kawennanoron Cindy White Moderator: Dr. Lisa Richardson, Strategic Lead in Indigenous Health Panelist: Elwood Jimmy, artist Panelist: Leslie McCue, artist
