National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In recognition of the ongoing legacy of residential schools, on September 30, 2021, OrKidstra will join with many across Canada in observing the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a federal statutory holiday. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the new national holiday is intended to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action (number 80) by creating a holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by clicking here.
Please note that there will be no regular OrKidstra programming on September 30, 2021, and our virtual office will be closed. OrKidstra is encouraging all members of our community to actively reflect on their roles in Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
We acknowledge that Reconciliation is a shared responsibility for all Canadians and requires action not just on September 30 but every day. As part of this journey towards Reconciliation, we share with you a list of some of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities and events that you can watch online or attend safely in person. You can find the City of Ottawa list of events here.
Organized by the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada, an Indigenous women-led not for profit and Heritage Canada designated national arts service organization, “Remember Me: A National Day of Remembrance” is a public event in the name of Truth and Reconciliation, in which all nations are invited to unite to remember Indigenous children and families affected by the Indian Residential Schools and all Indigenous child apprehension programs. Please learn more about this arts-focused, public event by visiting the link here.
