National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

On September 30, 2022, our students are invited to attend some discovery activities in honor of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The objective of these activities is to raise awareness among our staff and students about this important part of our history.

During this day, a selection of films will be broadcast (on loop) and you'll have the opportunity to consult informative resources.

• What? Discovery activities to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Where? LaSalle College, Salle Jean-Paul-Morin
• When? September 30, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Origins of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th marks the National for Truth and Reconciliation (alternatively: Orange Shirt Day), a day to honor Survivors of the residential school system and commemorate those who didn't make it. Residential schools operated in Canada for more than 150 years, with the last residential school closing in 1996. In total, it is estimated that over 150,000 First Nation, Inuit and Métis children attended residential school (NCTR, 2021).

The date of September 30 was chosen because it was at that time of year that Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools. This date is an opportunity to promote awareness about the residential school system and its ongoing impacts for the survivors and their families. Wearing an orange shirt on this date has been suggested as a symbol to show support for Indigenous peoples. This was inspired by the story of Phyllis Jack Webstad, whose personal items -including a new orange shirt gifted to her by her grandmother- were taken from her on her first day of residential schooling (Orange Shirt Society, 2021).

NCTR - National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Residential School History. 2021, October 26. https://nctr.ca/education/teaching-resources/residential-school-history/ Accessed 9 September 2022.

Orange Shirt Society. The Story of Orange Shirt Day. 2021, Août 30. https://www.orangeshirtday.org/about-us.html Consulté le 10 septembre 2022.