Learning and Unlearning: Orange Shirt Day and The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
This year, many of our hearts have been heavy with the discovery of thousands of unmarked graves, where children who suffered abuse under the guise of the residential school system were unceremoniously buried after being torn away from their families and stripped of their cultures. The history of the residential school system in this country is not one to be proud of, but it is one that needs to be acknowledged. September 30, 2021 marks our first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
The doors of the last residential school in Canada closed in 1996— a date not as far off as it may seem. The impacts of the Canadian residential school system are still felt across this country by families and communities who were directly impacted by the violence and trauma inflicted upon themselves and their loved ones. Many children never made it home. Many stories have gone untold. Acknowledgement of the atrocities that happened to Indigenous children across this country is long overdue.
But it is not too late to learn. We at The Aura House are still learning and unlearning; learning the truth and unlearning the biases and misconceptions we hold both knowingly or unknowingly. Here are some of the ways we’ve found that non-Indigenous folks can recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and show support for our Indigenous peers.
Read The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. The document outlines the 94 Calls to Action proposed by The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in order to redress the legacy left behind by the residential school system. The topics range from culture and language, to child welfare, to education, and justice. It is a good place to start to understand the kinds of changes that need to be made in the efforts towards reconciliation.
Wear Orange. While September 30, 2021 is the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, it is not the first time that September 30 has marked a day of remembrance for indigenous communities in Canada. Orange Shirt Day is a day to honour and remember those impacted by the residential school system. You can learn more about Orange Shirt Day and how it began at orangeshirtday.org.
Educate yourself. There are plenty of books written by Indigenous authors that talk about the impacts that the residential school system had on Indigenous communities around Canada. There are also courses you can take, such as this free online course offered by the Faculty of Native Studies at University of Alberta. The Indigenous Canada course is offered free of charge, and opens the door to learning about indigenous activism, history, culture, and more.
Listen to Indigenous people, activists, artists, and historians.
On September 30th, we will be honouring Orange Shirt Day with a contribute-what-you-can all-level yoga class here at The Aura House. 100% of proceeds will be going directly to the Anishnawbe Health Foundation. Anishnawbe Health Foundation is an Indigenous-led registered charity working to do incredibly important work in our community. The work they do has a direct impact by supporting the health and wellness of the urban Indigenous community, with a focus on the preservation and reclamation of traditional healing practices. Can't make it to the class but still want to show your support? Visit supportanishnawbe.ca to learn more and find out how you can donate and don’t forget to wear orange.
