THE SURVIVOR'S FLAG
Each element on the flag was selected by Survivors from across Canada, who were consulted in the flag’s creation.
The elements are The Family, The Children, The Seeds Below The Ground, The Tree Of Peace, The Cedar Branch,
The Cosmic Symbolism, The Metis Sash, The Eagle Feather and The Inuksuit
Learn about the elements and their meaning HERE
The elements are The Family, The Children, The Seeds Below The Ground, The Tree Of Peace, The Cedar Branch,
The Cosmic Symbolism, The Metis Sash, The Eagle Feather and The Inuksuit
Learn about the elements and their meaning HERE
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Orange Shirt Day is the vision of Esketemc (Alkali Lake) Chief Fred Robbins, who is a former student the St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, BC. This school operated from 1891 till 1981. Many student deaths were recorded throughout the school's history. Multiple inquiries looking into conditions at the school took place. When the school was closed, several members of the school's staff were sentenced to jail time for sexual abuse. In May of 2013, former students, including Chief Robbins gathered for a reunion and commemoration project and the idea of Orange Shirt Day came to be.
Orange shirts commemorate the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor who was stripped of her new orange shirt when she was 6 years old and attending a residential school. In Phyllis says, “The color orange has always reminded me of that, how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared & how I felt like I was worth nothing. Orange Shirt Day is a day to proclaim Every Child Matters and show our support and to reaffirm survivors and the families of the victims and show them they matter. It's a time to learn more about residential schools and talk about the effects they continue to have and be part of working and action for meaningful reconciliation. For this to happen, you and I have to go beyond just one day. It's wonderful to wear an Orange Shirt on Orange Shirt Day, but the work and commitment needed to make meaningful reconciliation and continue healing for those affected by residential schools has to happen everyday. Learn More about Orange Shirt Day and the Orange Shirt Society HERE
City Of Kitchener Indigenous Reconciliation Information HERE
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity
(RISE) Fund Grants - Apply HERE |
Phyllis Webstad with Sheena Meerling, Creator Of The Every Child Matters Crosswalk & Mayor Berry Vrbanovic |
To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Kitchener partnered with local Indigenous youth artist Jack Spicer-Forler onikwatala.crafts to bring reconciliation to life through art.
Jack’s piece, Journey Home, reflects the many paths of healing, reconnection and remembrance that Indigenous Peoples continue to walk. We’re honoured to share this beautiful piece of art.
Join us in recognizing this important day by learning, listening and reflecting.
Jack’s piece, Journey Home, reflects the many paths of healing, reconnection and remembrance that Indigenous Peoples continue to walk. We’re honoured to share this beautiful piece of art.
Join us in recognizing this important day by learning, listening and reflecting.
ORANGE SHIRT DAY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Healing Of The Seven Generations Remember Me Walk - Wednesday September 30 - 10am
From 300 Frederick St to Victoria Park Clock Tower.
Details HERE
From 300 Frederick St to Victoria Park Clock Tower.
Details HERE
Following the Walk Crow Shield Lodge will hold a Sacred Fire with Drumming & Elders. close by at 101 David St.
Purchase Your Orange Shirt Or Backpack From The Healing Of The 7 Generations
at 300 Frederick St Kitchener or Online HERE
at 300 Frederick St Kitchener or Online HERE
Anishnabeg Outreach
University of Waterloo Truth and Reconciliation Day Activities - Details HERE
Resource and Information Videos
Phyllis Webstad Shares Her Experience At Residential School.
To Watch, Click HERE
Watch Canadian History And The Indian Residential School System Video HERE
Watch Residential Schools In Canada - A Timeline Video HERE
A Conversation About Truth And Reconciliation
In 2023, John Neufeld, the Executive Director of House Of Friendship and Clarence Cachagee the Visionary behind Crow Shield Lodge sat down to have a conversation about Truth & Reconciliation, friendship and leadership.
There are 2 versions you can watch.
One is a shortened 16 minute conversation that you can watch HERE
The other is the 60 minute conversation that you can watch HERE
There are 2 versions you can watch.
One is a shortened 16 minute conversation that you can watch HERE
The other is the 60 minute conversation that you can watch HERE
Online Learning Resources
National Centre For Truth And Reconciliation HERE
National Inquiry Into Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women And Girls HERE
Assembly Of First Nations - It's Our Time - Education Toolkit HERE
First Nations - Indigenous People's Atlas Of Canada HERE
Metis Identity And Voice In Canada's National Parks HERE
University Of Alberta's Free Indigenous Canada Course HERE
National Centre For Truth And Reconciliation HERE
National Inquiry Into Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women And Girls HERE
Assembly Of First Nations - It's Our Time - Education Toolkit HERE
First Nations - Indigenous People's Atlas Of Canada HERE
Metis Identity And Voice In Canada's National Parks HERE
University Of Alberta's Free Indigenous Canada Course HERE
Visit HURON NATURAL AREA at 801 Trillium Drive To Experience Indigenous Placemaking
Kitchener Public Library Has A Collection Of Truth And Reconciliation Resources HERE