Photo of the orange flag which reads "Every Child Matters" raised at Fanshawe college. Photo taken by James Burnard
Sept. 30 is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which coincides with Orange Shirt Day. These days are to honour the children who died, survivors and those still affected by residential schools.
Fanshawe raised an orange flag at 2 p.m. at the front of the school to recognize the day.
The college also hosted a discussion event at the Kalihwíy̲o̲ Circle to reflected on the term “residential school” and how it can be misleading and give the wrong impression of what happened. The discussion consisted of why changing the language used and renaming matters when telling the history.
Ten years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released 94 calls to action for the Canadian Government to deliver. So far only 14 calls to action have been fully completed. According to Indigenous Watchdog, the rest of the calls to action include 42 remaining in progress, 22 stalled and 16 not yet started.
The event facilitator said that completing only 14 Calls to Action in a decade is not enough and more meaningful progress is needed.
The Kalihwíy̲o̲ (Gal-i-wi-yo) Circle at Fanshawe college.
Image posted on intstagram by @fanshaweconferenceservices
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, Greg Rickford, gave a statement.
“Today, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the survivors of the Indian Residential School system and remember the children who did not return home. We honour the families and communities who continue to bear the weight of this legacy,” the statement read.
“Today, we also recognize Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school. Phyllis’ story reminds us of the deeply personal and painful experiences of survivors and the need to commemorate the history of these schools.”
Across Ontario, government buildings will be lit orange in recognition.
