Monday marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, also known as Orange Shirt Day, to acknowledge the impact and legacy of the country’s residential school system and to honor both survivors and those who did not return home. Manitoba established Sept. 30 as a provincial statutory holiday last year, and various events are planned throughout the province to commemorate Orange Shirt Day 2024. In Winnipeg, activities include a healing walk to the RBC Convention Centre followed by a pow-wow at the Oodena Celebration Circle, a memorial event at Theodore Niizhotay Fontaine Park, free admission to the Manitoba Museum, a commemorative art garden at Winnipeg Inner City Mission, and a presentation on the history of Indian residential schools at Southland Community Church.
In Southern Manitoba, events are taking place at Souris School and Avalon Theatre in Souris, Portage la Prairie City Hall, and Poplar River First Nation. In the Interlake region, a Bear Clan Walk is scheduled in Selkirk Park and a community feast and memorial walk to the Pine Creek residential school will be held at Camperville Hall in Pine Creek. Western Manitoba will host an Orange Shirt Day walk at the Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon. In Northern Manitoba, activities will be held at Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre in Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Maclean Park in Thompson. While the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is officially observed on Monday, other events are happening throughout Manitoba over the weekend.
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419 for individuals experiencing pain or distress related to their residential school experience. The crisis line offers support for those in need of assistance. This initiative recognizes the ongoing need for healing and support for survivors of the residential school system and their families. It is crucial to provide resources and services to those who are still dealing with the trauma and intergenerational impacts of the residential school system in Canada.
Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for Canadians to come together to learn about the history and legacy of Indian residential schools and to show support for survivors and their families. By participating in events and activities on this day, individuals can help raise awareness, promote understanding, and foster reconciliation in their communities. It is a time to reflect on the dark chapter in Canada’s history and to commit to working towards a future where such atrocities are never repeated.
The events planned for Orange Shirt Day 2024 in Manitoba highlight the importance of education, remembrance, and healing in the reconciliation process. By participating in walks, ceremonies, film screenings, and other activities, individuals can pay tribute to the survivors of the residential school system and honor the memory of those who were lost. These events also serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities in the face of historical traumas. They offer a space for reflection, dialogue, and solidarity as Canadians work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
As Canadians come together to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Orange Shirt Day, it is essential to remember the lives that were impacted by the residential school system and to commit to learning from the past in order to build a more just and compassionate future. By acknowledging the truths of Indigenous experiences and working towards healing and reconciliation, individuals can contribute to creating a society that values truth, understanding, and respect for all peoples. Orange Shirt Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and the importance of standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities in Canada.
