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2024 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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This month we are preparing for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), a day dedicated to acknowledging the painful legacy of Residential Schools in Canada. Annually on September 30, this day invites all Canadians to learn, reflect, and commit to the ongoing process of Reconciliation.  

Originally known as Orange Shirt Day, this movement began in 2013 and was led by Esketemc (Alkali Lake) Chief Fred Robbins, a Residential School survivor. It was inspired by the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School Commemoration Project in Williams Lake, BC, where survivors came together to honour their healing journeys. The day is symbolized by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, who, at six years old, had her new orange shirt purchased by her grandmother and taken from her on her first day at the SJM Residential School. This experience highlights the deep emotional scars left by these institutions and serves as a powerful reminder of the need for Reconciliation. 

NDTR is also a response to Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it urges us to recognize this day as a time to honour those impacted by Residential Schools and to deepen our understanding of the colonial project: 

“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.” 

At Rise Consulting, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and communities, using this day to listen, learn, and take meaningful action. Reconciliation is not just for today but a continuous journey that demands our daily commitment. Let September 30 be a reminder that our work toward Truth and Reconciliation is ongoing, as we strive to build a future rooted in respect, understanding, and justice for all. 

What Can We Do? 

Listen and Learn  

Understanding the truth about residential schools is the first step toward healing and Reconciliation. Listening to survivors validates their experiences and corrects ongoing misinformation in our education systems. This National Truth and Reconciliation Week, let’s work toward Reconciliation together. 

Act  

In April, Rise was in a discussion, organized by the YAWC, with 17 communities that identified the following action items they wish to see reflected for NDTR events; Increased Support for Indian Residential School (IRS) Survivors, Class Action Lawsuit, Wide-spread Celebrations, Empowering IRS Survivors and Ongoing Education/Learning. 

Figure 1. NDTR Commemoration Recommendations identified by participants during engagement event. Organized by theme and frequency (percentage) based on dotmocracy activity.

Rise is committed to supporting communities and aligning with the end of the month is our sponsorship and participation at the Honouring Traditions and Reconciliation Powwow and Artisan Expo in Lethbridge, a time for widespread celebration and empowering Indian Residential School survivors. Our clients are committing to increasing support for survivors, encouraging cultural engagement and bringing the youth into ongoing education and celebration of their culture. For example, one client is enhancing youth participation by involving six Indigenous young people in key roles at an international conference, where they crafted the opening welcome and ensured Indigenous community representation, thus integrating youth voices into decision-making processes. Another client is enhancing survivor support by offering specialized grief and trauma counselling for women, particularly in Northern communities, with services provided by certified First Nations counsellors. This approach integrates traditional healing practices like connecting with land and Elders, alongside conventional mental health support, to help survivors of sexual violence navigate their healing journey. Other clients are fostering cultural celebration and learning by gifting hides and fur from hunting to Nations, enabling children to learn traditional mitten-making. This initiative supports cultural engagement and well-being by encouraging participation in traditional practices and connecting younger generations with their heritage. We hope these stories inspire you to listen to community and create and participate in relationships in the right way to celebrate and support your Indigenous peers, colleagues, friends and family. Other actions you can take include: 

  • Wearing your Orange Shirt and participating at community events 

Purchase 

Support Indigenous-led or Indigenous-owned businesses, especially those where the proceeds are given directly to the Orange Shirt Society or another Indigenous charity or non-profit in your community. Here are a few organizations that we’ve found: 

Orange T-Shirts and Indigenous-owned Clothing and Accessories: 

Wellness: 

Bookstores and Print: 

If you need additional support this month, you can access Hope for Wellness Online Chat Counselling Services at: www.hopeforwellness.ca or the Indian Residential School Survivors and Family crisis phone line at: 1-800-721-0066.