National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

On this Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Toronto Humane Society stands in solidarity with the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. 

September 30th marks the time of year when the children from these communities were forcibly separated from their families and placed in the church-run residential schools, where they experienced systemic violence, both physically and psychologically. Together, we mourn the children who never returned from the residential schools and commemorate the pain, intergenerational trauma, and cultural destruction endured by the survivors and their families. We acknowledge that this discrimination continues to persist marginalizing, silencing, and abusing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. 

Toronto Humane Society will continue to engage and support organizations, movements, and Elders within the community. We also encourage all members of our Toronto Humane Society community to consider how their actions and choices can contribute to meaningful reconciliation, equity, and healing. 

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we encourage you to wear an orange shirt and to take the time to learn about Phyllis Webstad and the origins of this movement. Below are a list of learning resources and events in support of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For additional information and resources please visit the Government of Canada’s website. 

Educational Sources: 

• Examine the 94 Calls to Action published by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
•  Online courses:

– Indigenous Canada, University of Alberta (Coursera)

– Aboriginal Worldviews and Education, University of Toronto (Coursera)

– Reconciliation through Indigenous Education, University of British Columbia (edX)

• Read about Phyllis Webstad and the history and impact of Orange Shirt Day 
• Watch films and documentaries that reflect on the residential school experience on the National Film Board of Canada site
• CBC Kids YouTube has compiled a playlist of Indigenous culture segments and full episodes of Molly of Denali
• Browse Toronto Public Library’s must-read titles by Indigenous authors, writers, illustrators, and knowledge keepers

Events:

• September 30th, 7pm  ET: “Shining a light on the Indian Residential School Legacy”. An evening of teaching with Sandra Campbell, presented by Toronto Urban Native Ministry ($10 to attend. Registration is required) 
• September 30th to October 3rd: “Rising Hearts virtual 5K Remembrance Run”. This run is to build community and allyship, and to call for justice, accountability, and healing ($25 to register)
• September 30th at 5:15pm ET: “Drum for the Children: Be heard. On behalf of the children”. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is calling upon people around the world to gather –safely– to drum and sing for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools (this is a virtual event that is free to attend)