Chat loading...
We acknowledge that the Vancouver Campus operates on the shared, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil Waututh), and sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nations of the Coast Salish peoples, and are grateful for their stewardship since time immemorial.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established in 2007 as a part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, to facilitate reconciliation among survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities. From 2007-2015 the TRC collected testimony from 6,500 witnesses. In 2015, they published their Final Report, a multi-volume document containing the complete history of the residential school system, survivor testimony, and the 94 Calls to Action. The Calls to Action are the official recommendations from the TRC for reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and Canadians.
Many of the 94 Calls to Action have yet to be implemented by the Government of Canada, and we continue to call on the federal government to adopt the recommendations made by the TRC.
Orange Shirt Day originated in 2013 as part of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School Commemoration Project. Residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad recalled at six years old, having her brand new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at the St. Joseph Mission Residential School (read Phyllis' story in her own words). This story highlighted the legacies of residential schools, and the need for reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day became an annual event honouring the Every Child Matters movement and the children who were forced to attend residential schools in Canada.
According to the Orange Shirt Society, September 30th was chosen as Orange Shirt Day as it was around the time of year that children were taken to residential schools.
In 2021, the Government of Canada fulfilled the 80th Call to Action from the TRC, which recommended the creation of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. September 30th, which was already Orange Shirt Day, was chosen as a federal statutory holiday.