For generations, residential school Survivors and their families have shared the truth behind Canada’s Indian Residential School System (1879-1996). The Truth and Reconciliation Commission listened to these truths, documented them in their report, and created a roadmap to reconciliation in the form of the 94 Calls to Action.
Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion in 2013. Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s story about her shiny new orange shirt being taken away from her on the first day of residential school, became the foundation for the movement. The date September 30th was chosen because it is around the time of year when children were taken from their homes to Indian residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. In 2021, the federal government established the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Orange Shirt Day, in response to Call to Action #80. This day is an opportunity for communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.
Residential schools are part of the recent history of education in Canada, and the harm they caused continues to affect First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities to this day. Whether in full-day kindergarten, child care centres, EarlyON, home child care, or in specialized programs, early years professionals are an integral part of children and families’ first contact with education. It is crucial to our collective Reconciliation efforts that educators at all levels of education understand not only the long lasting impacts of residential schools, but also how welfare and education systems continue to disproportionately harm Indigenous communities.
Orange Shirt Day is a day for mourning the children who never came home and for honouring the experiences of survivors. It is a day filled with extra heavy feelings, especially for Indigenous educators who might not find space for their grief in their own work. We see you, and hold space for your feelings. For non-Indigenous folks, learning the truth and intentionally engaging in Reconciliation can be shocking and cause a lot of discomfort. We invite you to sit with your discomfort and engage in meaningful conversations and take it as an opportunity to challenge previous knowledge. Reconciliation is an ongoing process and requires practice. We encourage you to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and reflect on the ways you can take action in your pedagogical practice and in your community.
ECEs and child care workers play a pivotal part in building a kinder, more just world. It is crucial that we understand that the struggles Indigenous communities face are rooted in the same colonial, patriarchal and oppressive ideologies that have historically and systemically undervalued education and care. At the AECEO, we believe it is our duty to continually re-examine practices, policies and structures in order to disrupt harmful systems and promote true understanding and allyship. We reiterate our commitment to centering the voices of Indigenous educators and addressing the harm that educational and welfare systems have inflicted upon Indigenous communities in all aspects of our work.
In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the All Nations Circle of Practice invites you to reflect, share, and be with community tonight, September 29th.
The group will discuss how some are using the day to repair and resurge, while others are expanding understanding and empathy. How will you spend the day? Join the conversation. Join the All Nations Circle of Practice TONIGHT, Tuesday, September 29th at 630PM. Register Here!
Please note: the AECEO virtual office is closed on September 30th in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Any social media posts or emails shared on this date have been scheduled in advance.
Sources for the information shared above are the Orange Shirt Society and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.