September 30, 2023, marks the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a time to reflect on the historical and ongoing impacts of Canada’s residential school system on Indigenous survivors, their families and communities.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was first established by the federal government in 2021 to build on the momentum of Orange Shirt Day, which also takes place on Sept. 30.

Orange Shirt Day is named for the shirt gifted to residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad by her grandmother. Phyllis proudly wore the shirt on her first day at a Williams Lake residential school. School authorities stripped her of her clothing, took the shirt from her and cut her hair.

Between 1831 and 1998, at least 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were taken from their families and home communities and sent to residential schools. In these schools, they were forced to abandon their languages, cultures, traditions and identities. Many experienced abuse, and thousands never returned home.

More recently, the identification of unmarked burial sites on the grounds of former residential schools throughout Canada underscores the horrors perpetuated in the name of colonization.

Through the story of Phyllis, Orange Shirt Day remembers these traumatic events. Along with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it acknowledges the intergenerational harms that stand as the legacy of Canada’s residential schools.

For many Indigenous people in Canada, these stories are impossible to forget. For settlers and newcomers, the act of remembering and acknowledging the truth of Canada’s history is an important part of the work of reconciliation. This work is not the responsibility of Indigenous people. It is the responsibility of all who live as guests on stolen land.

Emily Carr University recognizes Sept. 30 as a day to affirm its commitment to the work of reconciliation. It is a day to support survivors, and to spend time learning about the Indigenous histories of the places we live and the people who have called those places home since time immemorial. It is a day to recognize the injustices and enduring traumas faced by Indigenous peoples because of the residential school system, systemic racism and discrimination.

ECU community members are invited to gather today from 12 to 12:30pm in the Caf for snacks, tea, reflection and conversation. ECU’s interim president Trish Kelly will be in attendance to share a few words.

Public commemoration is only one part of the work we can do to advance reconciliation. We must also face the truth of the human impacts of colonization and the residential school system. ECU will continue to work actively and collaboratively to decolonize pedagogy, operations and practice in an effort to build a better future for all community members, neighbours and survivors.

Please note, the ECU building will be closed Monday, Oct. 2 to observe the statutory holiday.

For a list of resources to help you learn more about reconciliation, including where to find support, please visit our recent community update.