September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). NDTR became an official day of commemoration in 2021 as a response to call to action #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report. I know many of us are familiar with this day, but I want to take some time to reflect on the significance of the day.
As you may know, Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Jack Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her when she was sent to residential school. The orange shirt has become a symbol of the forced assimilation imposed by the residential school system. The shirts are meant to remind us of the harms done to Indigenous Peoples, and of the long road to Reconciliation that we all must walk.
The residential school system may seem like ancient history, but the last residential schools remained open until 1996. That means that residential school Survivors are our peers, our neighbours, our friends, and in some cases, our family. Residential school survivors are not just characters in textbooks. They are with us today, as is the intergenerational trauma experienced by their children and grandchildren.
I have heard many Indigenous Leaders, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers share that Reconciliation will take thousands of steps walked by many. Change will not happen overnight, and it will not happen without all of us working together.
We need to continue the work of understanding the truth of Canada’s complex history, see the harms done by residential schools, and personally commit to rectifying past and ongoing injustices. Part of it is learning, part of it is recognizing the trauma many Indigenous Peoples live with every day, and for many of us, part of it is continuing with the important work of YWCA Toronto.
For this month, I would like to remind you of the power of your individual actions, your learning and awareness, your advocacy, and your care. Your actions are an important part of the path to Reconciliation.
Wearing an orange shirt is an important sign to Indigenous Peoples that we have allies. While it may seem like a small gesture in the face of all the work that lies ahead, I would like to remind you of the importance of tiny steps. It is the small steps that we all take together that move us forward. Sometimes big changes start with small steps.
Together, we can commit to walking the rest of the way on the path to Reconciliation and continue to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. The road may be long and unfamiliar, but we can only get there together.
The journey towards Reconciliation will be made of thousands of tiny steps. Each orange shirt and each individual action is an important step along the way. As we approach this day of commemoration, of learning, and of solidarity, I would like to thank you all for sharing your stories, for doing the work, and for moving forward together.
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Richel Davies (She/Her) is a Métis woman currently living in Tkaronto. She is the Director of Indigenous Inclusion at Scotiabank and Board Member, and Chair of Reconciliation Committee at YWCA Toronto.
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We encourage all our readers to reflect on Richel’s words. Consider making a tiny step toward Reconciliation each day. On September 30th, wear an orange shirt.