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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation


Last year, the Canadian government passed legislation to make September 30th the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is meant to recognize the tragic history of loss, and the lasting effects of Canada’s residential school system.

 

Why do you think we wear orange shirts on this day? 

Charlie – We wear orange shirts on September 30th to show our support for First Nations people affected by residential schools. We recognize that Every Child Matters. Many children in residential schools felt like they didn’t matter. They were forced to change who they were by people who didn’t even know them.

 

Harrison – We wear orange shirts on this day because of one residential school survivor named Phyllis Webstad. She chose to wear an orange shirt on her first day at a residential school and when she arrived they took it away from her just like they tried to take away her First Nations identity.

 

What can we do to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again?  

Charlie – Most importantly we should talk about it. It is not a nice part of Canadian history. Many children lost their lives because of the laws back then. People should be allowed to be who they are and proud of who they are no matter where they come from.

 

Harrison – We should learn about the history of the residential schools in Canada. We can do more to respect and recognize the First Nations’ acknowledgement of the land we live on. Our family lives on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Attiwonderonk (Neutral) and Mississauga Nation. 

 

How can we learn more about the Indigenous cultures in Canada?   

Charlie – We studied First Nations cultures in grade 5 at school. We have walked on tours with our family at Ska-Nah-Doht in the summertime. We watch movies and shows about Indigenous people in Canada, and we look to support musicians and filmmakers of First Nations People of Canada. That’s how they tell their stories.

 

Harrison – We follow First Nations social media influencers like Notorious Cree, Larissa Crawford, Nanook Gordon and Jayroy Makokis to continue to learn more about Indigenous cultures.

 

Please join us in wishing a fond farewell to our current Kid Zone writers, Charlie and Harrison. We wish you all the best in the future, and we know you’ll do big things in life, gentlemen! Stay tuned next month to meet our newest Kid Zone writers!

 

 

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