ORANGE SHIRT DAY
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NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
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 attended residential school as a six-year-old child. In Phyllis’ words, “The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and 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
National Day For Truth And Reconciliation From The Government Of Canada HERE

150 Acts of Reconciliation HERE
Phyllis Webstad with Sheena Meerling Creator Of The Every Child Matters Crosswalk and Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
ORANGE SHIRT DAY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
 O:se Kenhionhata:tie Sacred Fire and Vigil - Sunday September 29 - 6pm - Playground - Victoria Park
Healing Of The Seven Generations Every Child Matters Walk - Monday September 30 - 10am
 From 300 Frederick St to Victoria Park Clock Tower. 
Details HERE
Purchase Your Orange Shirt Or Backpack From The Healing Of The 7 Generations
​at 300 Frederick St Kitchener or Online HERE
Anishnabeg Outreach - Spirit Garden For Everyone Planting & BBQ​
University of Waterloo Truth and Reconciliation Day Activities & Walk - Monday September 30 -
BC Matthews Hall Green 20908 Ring Road - Details HERE
Crow Shield Lodge - Walk Towards Truth - Saturday October 5 - 188 Mohawk Street Brantford Details HERE
Kitchener Public Library Events:

Indigenous Drumming and Sharing Circles with Kelly Welch 
October 15 & 26 - November 10 & December 10. Details HERE 

#hopeandhealingcanada Art Exhibit - Central Branch Until October 31​
Details HERE

Phyllis Webstad Shares Her Experience At Residential School.
To Watch, Click HERE
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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

Online Learning Resources
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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