September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day
In 2021, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday: The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre will remain open on this day to support our families.
While Norwood absolutely recognizes the need for and value of a day to commemorate and reflect upon the harm caused by residential schools, we also believe this may be one of the days many of our families need us most.
Our Parent Respite Program, in particular, provides a safe, welcoming, and fun place for children whose parents need a temporary break on this day to attend special events or to take care of themselves. Anyone requiring support can call 780-471-3737 to speak with an Intake Facilitator who can connect them to appropriate resources, either within Norwood Centre or elsewhere in our community.
About Residential Schools and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline
Government of Canada: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Information from the federal government on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation >.
Orange Shirt Day
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day and Norwood Centre staff will be wearing orange shirts to honour residential school survivors. We encourage all our program participants to do the same.
About Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre
Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre (Norwood) has been a community hub for children and families since 1963. Norwood responds to a wide variety of family circumstances and provides free, culturally diverse programming throughout Edmonton. Norwood is a safe gathering place that brings individuals together with a focus on prevention and early intervention to support healthy, well-functioning families.
For more information on Norwood’s response to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, contact:
Kathy Burgett Program Director 780-471-3737 kathyb@norwoodcentre.com
For support, contact:
Norwood Reception 780-471-3737 Norwooda@norwoodcentre.com