Need to talk? The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day. Call toll free at 1-866-925-4419.
From September 27th – October 1st, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting Truth and Reconciliation Week. This five-day online event will continue important conversations on topics such as the truths of Indigenous treaties, First Nation, Metis and Inuit land claims, and the residential schools system. The event is free and open to the public; everyone is welcome to register (as either an educator or member of the general public) and watch the live streams. Content has been developed for youth grades 5-12.
Discussions will be centered on a different topic or theme each day. The event begins with conversations on Treaties, Land Claims and Unceded Territories on day one. Day two will be focused on Lands and Culture and day three on Truth and Reconciliation. Special programming on day four will focus on Orange Shirt Day to commemorate the newly established National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event will conclude on day five with the Knowledge Transfer: Elder and Youth Dialogues conversations. Multiple speakers will be presenting on each topic and attendees can choose which sessions they wish to join. Full schedule educator schedules and general public schedules are available online.
The British Columbia Treaty Commission will be releasing a series of videos and posts across its social media to compliment each days’ theme. Theses posts will supplement the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s national conversations and present information specific to Indigenous experiences in British Columbia. Watch and interact with the Treaty Commission’s accounts over the next week for the chance to engage, learn and win prizes!
September 30, 2021 marks the first annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led commemorative day honouring the children who were forced to attend Indian Residential Schools.
Truth and Reconciliation Day was established as a federal statutory holiday through legislative amendments made by Parliament on June 3, 2021. This legislation fulfilled Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action:
“We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, 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.”
Orange Shirt Day originates from Phyllis Webstad’s story of her experience being forced to attend the St. Joseph Mission Indian Residential School. It has grown from a grassroots campaign into a global conversation, driving meaningful discussions about the impacts and legacy of Residential Schools. Webstad is a member of Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. She has written multiple books and lesson plans to raise awareness, including The Orange Shirt Story (2018) and Orange Shirt Day (2020).
Learn More and Participate
- Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website to learn more about their ongoing work to honour, document and safeguard the truths of residential school survivors, families and communities.
- Read about Orange Shirt Day, participate in commemorative events, or make a donation to the Orange Shirt Society to support their work.
- Registered for Truth and Reconciliation Week? Teachers/educators can win 1 of 2 prize packs and lunches for your class. Members of the public can also enter for a prize draw. Send proof of your registration via email to communications@bctreaty.ca or DM the Treaty Commission on our social media accounts.
Need to talk? The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day. Call toll free at 1-866-925-4419.
