The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday created to honour the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Residential School Survivors, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. It calls on all of us to pause, reflect, and engage with the painful history and ongoing legacy of the residential school system.
The Story Behind Orange Shirt Day
While the statutory holiday is new, the movement it grew from, Orange Shirt Day, is not. It was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school Survivor from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.
In 1973, at the age of six, Phyllis was taken to a residential school. She was wearing a brand-new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother. It was immediately stripped from her and never returned. That orange shirt symbolizes the profound loss of identity, culture, language, and connection that Indigenous children suffered in the residential school system.
Today, wearing an orange shirt is a visible sign of solidarity, remembrance, and the unwavering message: "Every Child Matters."
Truth is the Foundation of Reconciliation
At Isa Mundo, we believe in the transformative power of education. True education requires facing difficult truths, and the truth of the residential school system is a foundational, yet difficult, part of Canadian history. The system's purpose was to assimilate Indigenous children, leading to generations of trauma that still impact communities today.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action provide a roadmap for all Canadians to move forward. Reconciliation is not an event—it is an ongoing process that requires commitment from every individual, institution, and organization.
How You Can Participate in Reconciliation Today
This day is not a celebration or simply a day off; it is a solemn day for reflection and action. We encourage our Isa Mundo community to take meaningful steps toward understanding and reconciliation:
1. Educate Yourself: Take time to read and learn about the history of residential schools, the experiences of Survivors, and the TRC's Calls to Action. A great place to start is the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) website.
2. Listen to Indigenous Voices: Seek out and listen to the stories, teachings, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. Support Indigenous artists, authors, and creators.
3. Support Indigenous Initiatives: Look for local Indigenous-led organizations working in education, community health, and cultural preservation, and consider donating or volunteering.
4. Have a Conversation: Talk with your family, friends, or colleagues about the meaning of this day and your commitment to reconciliation.
Wearing orange today is an important symbol, but it is just the first step. Let us all commit to carrying the spirit of this day forward, ensuring that the truth is known and that we work toward a more just and equitable future where Every Child Matters.
To learn more, visit the Orange Shirt Society at www.orangeshirt.org
** Photo courtesy of Orange Shirt Society. Shirt is the official 2025 Orange Shirt design.
