September 30th marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters
Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters began in Williams Lake, British Columbia, on September 30, 2013. Established to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home, it serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impacts of the Residential School system. What began as a grassroots initiative has since evolved into a nationally recognized movement, with individuals, organizations, and communities across Canada participating in acts of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation each year.

At the library, we will recognize this day by inviting our patrons to:

• Explore our suggested reading lists. We have created suggesting reading lists for adults Orange Shirt Day reads for Adults and for kids Orange Shirt Day reads for Kids

Resources to read and learn about residential schools

• Read Volume 4 of the Truth and Reconciliation Report “Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials, a critical resource.

• Listen to A Day to Listen on local radio stations CFOS-FM, CIXK-FM, CKYC-FM, CFPS-FM or online, https://downiewenjack.ca/a-day-to-listen/ Listen to past episodes

• See the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Memorial Map: This map provides a basic overview of the locations of some of the most important sites in the residential school children’s histories.

• Learn of residential school survivors experiences: Listen to “Stolen Children | Residential School survivors speak out” and “Residential schools“

•  For regular status updates on TRC Calls to Action, consult Indigenous Watchdog.

• Visit Grey Roots Museum to view Saukiing Anishnaabekiing presents Our Stories, which will invoke Anishinaabe creation stories while pointing towards reconciliation.

• Watch Reconciliation is dead…? (10 minutes) Link opens in YouTube.

• Watch Reconciliation in your Community, some history, some culture and a way to move forward in Reconciliation. (17 minutes). Link opens in YouTube.

A national Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.