National Truth and Reconciliation Day: Honouring Resilience

National Truth and Reconciliation Day: Honouring Resilience

Toronto ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) remains committed to the mother’s, grandmothers, sisters, aunties and families whose lives have been irreparably harmed by the tragic effects of the Residential School System. We honour their resilience and support their fight for justice.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th, also known as Orange Shirt Day is a day for education, reflection and action on Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.  It began with the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor whose orange shirt was taken away on her first day at St. Joseph Mission residential school. Her defiance continues to lead the call for justice on behalf of all residential school survivors.

ONWA honours the resilience and strength of survivors, their families and communities. Indigenous people have lived on Turtle Island since time immemorial and have deep connections to this land, our cultures and to the wisdom that moves positive change for future generations.  Indigenous strength is at the heart of this day.

By wearing an orange shirt on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, show your commitment that every child matters, every day and everywhere.

ONWA will also be participating and organizing key events to mark the day.

Toronto:

The Indigenous Legacy Gathering (ILG) will be taking place at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto from September 27th-30th. You can visit the ONWA booth between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. Each day, ONWA will be running programs out of the ONWA TIPI from 10:00 – 11:00 am and 2:00 -3:00 pm that will include cultural teachings, affirmation deck teachings, and the importance of best parenting practices through an Indigenous lens. Please note that this programming is by registration only. To register, please visit the ONWA booth during the event.

Thunder Bay:

ONWA will be hosting a sacred fire to honour all survivors, family members, and friends on September 30th. The event will include Cedar Tea, Bannock, drumming, and land games. This will take place at ONWA’s 380 Ray Blvd, Thunder Bay location from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and is open to all community members.

Across Ontario:

ONWA will also be distributing seeds to our member organizations to be planted across our land to honour the deep connection Indigenous people share with Mother Earth. By planting seeds, you nurture the land, reflecting the strength and values of Indigenous people and communities.  These seeds also support the natural ecosystems of Turtle Island, contributing to the ongoing growth of food and medicines for the next seven generations and beyond.

On this important day, together we honour the past, celebrate the present, and nurture a future rooted in respect and resilience for Indigenous women, families and communities.

If you require support, please contact the 24-Hour Residential School Crisis Line through Indigenous Services Canada toll free at 1-866-925-4419.

Beendigen also offers help, support and resources through their Talk4Healing support line at 1-855-544-HEAL via phone, chat or text.

Learn more here:

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation:  https://nctr.ca/
• 2023 NTRC Report:  https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-NCTR-2023REPORT-LAYOUTS-FIN-WEB.pdf
• Reconciliation and Decolonization Initiatives:  https://grandmothersvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bateman-Parhar-et-al.-2023-Reconciliation-and-Decolonization-Initiatives-at-Non-Governmental-Organizations-in-Canada-17-Nov-2023.pdf
• Orange Shirt Initiative: https://orangeshirtday.org/

For more information and media inquiries, contact:
Andre Morriseau
Communications Manager,
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca
-30-