September 30th – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 27, 2021 at 3:46 PM
As you are aware, in June 2021, the federal government passed legislation to recognize September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, making it an annual federal statutory holiday. A number of provinces, workplaces, schools and municipalities across the country, including the City of Winnipeg, have also chosen to recognize this date as a holiday.
Establishing a national holiday commemorating the legacy of residential schools was one of 94 Calls to Action made in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The ongoing recovery of mass graves sites near the locations of former residential schools has been a grim reminder of their legacy. CUPE continues to stand with Indigenous communities as they grieve these unjust losses within their communities.
Why September 30th?
Since 2013, September 30th has been commemorated as “Orange Shirt Day”, inspired by the story of residential school Survivor Phyllis Jack Webstad.
As a young girl, Phyllis was gifted a new orange shirt by her grandmother before she was taken to a B.C. residential school. The shirt was taken from her on the first day of classes and never returned. The story has come to symbolize the colonial assimilation goals of the residential school system.
Wear Orange!
On September 30, CUPE members are encouraged to wear an orange t-shirt to honour survivors and their families and participate in Orange Shirt Day events to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacies of the residential school system in Canada.
Calls to Action
On September 30th, please take the time to reflect on the Calls to Action and the truths contained in the TRC final report. You can find all 94 Calls to Action at nctr.ca, the website of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
