Isabel Mosseler
Tribune
September 30th marked Orange Shirt Day, also known as Children’s Day or Truth and Reconciliation Day, a significant day of remembrance in Canada that honours the Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families and sent to residential schools. The tradition of wearing orange shirts on this day began with the story of Phyllis Webstad Jackson, a survivor of St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, BC. In 1973, six-year-old Phyllis arrived at the school proudly wearing a new orange shirt her grandmother had bought for her. However, her shirt was immediately taken away, a symbolic and devastating moment that represented the loss of her identity, culture, and self-worth.
“This day is a reminder of the impacts of colonization, assimilation, and cultural genocide on Indigenous peoples in Canada, including our own Anishinaabe people,” said Chief/Giima Cathy Bellefueille-Stevens, who addressed the audience collected at the NFN arena. “Today, we raise awareness about the history of residential schools, honour the survivor warriors and their families, and commit to healing together as a community and with the outside nation.”
Observed annually, Orange Shirt Day encourages Canadians to come together in solidarity with Indigenous people by wearing orange and participating in events that highlight the lasting trauma caused by the residential school system. “Truth and reconciliation are essential for healing, understanding, and moving forward together,” Bellefeuille-Stevens continued. “This day provides a platform for acknowledging past wrongs and working towards building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”
Throughout the day, local residents joined in ceremonies and activities designed to honour survivors and foster dialogue about the ongoing impact of historical injustices. “Listening to the voices of those who have been oppressed is critical,” urged the chief. “Speaking out about this dark history helps us begin addressing the injustices that have plagued our nation for far too long. Through open and honest dialogue, we can create a space for healing and forgiveness.”
The event, which began with a sunrise ceremony in Garden Village, was attended by several local survivors, whose presence was a poignant reminder of the personal and generational toll of the residential school system. “We are part of a nation moving forward together, and we’re doing it in a good way,” Bellefeuille-Stevens affirmed. “This is just the beginning for us—honouring those warriors today, and building bridges between nations from this dark past.” Each of the attending survivors received gifts. Chief Bellefeuille-Stevens also spoke about the broader importance of the truth and reconciliation process, emphasizing that it is more than a symbolic gesture. “Acknowledging colonization, assimilation, and cultural genocide is a process. It’s about building relationships, understanding equity, and striving for justice,” she said. “Truth and reconciliation have the power to transform society, making it more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient (…) I want to say thank you to all of you for coming out today. Embracing the principles of truth, accountability, and healing, we can lay the foundation for a brighter and more harmonious future for all.”
