National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day - September 30
On September 30, we wear orange shirts and set aside time to reflect on Canada's legacy of residential schools for Indigenous children.
For over 150 years, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation children were taken from their families and communities to attend residential schools, often located far away from their homes. More than 150,000 children attended such schools; many never returned. Many of Norwood's families have faced intergenerational trauma as a result of one or more family members' experiences at residential schools.
At 9:30 am, in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Norwood Centre will be holding a smudge for all Norwood participants and staff in our Multipurpose Room. We will share our intentions for the day, allow space and time for each other, and honour those who experienced residential schools.
A gentle way to introduce smaller children to the topic of residential schools is this video/reading of ‘Phyllis’s Orange Shirt’ – an adaptation of the book written by Phyllis Webstad, whose recounting of her experience at a residential school led to the Orange Shirt Day movement (now also the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation).
From the book’s introduction: Phyllis’s Orange Shirt is an adaptation of Phyllis Webstad’s beautiful book, The Orange Shirt Story, for a younger audience (ages 4 – 6). In order to make The Orange Shirt Story accessible and appropriate for this young age group, the story has been simplified, shortened and given a rhyming scheme. Additionally, some of the pictures have been replaced by gentler images. This book was made with Phyllis and has her enthusiastic approval, and we are excited to present it to you.
To gain complete information on the impacts of residential schools in Canada, please visit the website of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at nctr.ca. We hope you will take some time from your day to spend some time learning more about this aspect of Canada's history and taking your own steps toward truth and reconciliation.