September 30th is also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a time to recognize, raise awareness and create meaningful discussions on the effects of residential schools on survivors, their families and communities. It is also a time to reflect, remember and continue to learn about Indigenous cultures, languages, heritage, traditions and most importantly, the contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Isa Mundo Foundation members and volunteers - from Ottawa to Toronto to Edmonton and Vancouver - donated to the Orange Shirt Society, volunteered at Indigenous led organizations, attended gatherings to support survivors and community members and committed to develop various resources and tools in their workplaces to educate colleagues on the history of residential schools. We are aware that these actions will not be enough to heal deep wounds from 100+ years of marginalization and oppression against Indigenous peoples but we all need to take steps to accept and recognize the truth and to listen to oral stories and teachings of Indigenous Elders and survivors. We have a shared history and Canada's narrative is not all positive. And for non-Indigenous peoples, we need to understand and accept that we all have a responsibility as individuals and as a collective to progress reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island.
To learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
To learn more about and contribute to the annual Orange Shirt Day, visit the Orange Shirt Society.
