Hatfield acknowledges Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
Sep 27, 2024
At Hatfield, we collectively acknowledge the significance of September 30th, observed as Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
Serving as a solemn and educational occasion throughout Canada, this day encourages Canadians to reflect on the legacy of the residential school system and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities. Dedicated to honouring Survivors, their families, and communities; this day offers time and space to recognize and remember those affected. This year, there is emphasis on the crucial role of non-Indigenous Canadians to actively participate in reconciliation by understanding the deeper meanings of decolonization and addressing systemic injustice.
Hatfield is committed to building strong relationships with Indigenous Nations. We collaborate and form partnerships to facilitate further education on the unique cultures, interests, aspirations, and challenges of each Nation. In our collaboration, we aim for consensus and integrate Indigenous perspectives and knowledge to enrich Western environmental and social science methodologies. Hatfield is dedicated to maintaining open communication to understand each other’s viewpoints and focus on achieving shared objectives.
We strongly encourage Canadians to recognize the importance of this day by wearing orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. Across the country, public events and gatherings are organized to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools. By participating in these events and wearing orange, you can honour Survivors and the children who never made it home, a small but important step along the path of reconciliation.
Suggested Reading & Listening:
- Reports and Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- “Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls” by Indigenous author Angela Sterritt.
- “Beyond the Orange Shirt” by Phyllis Webstad, founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement.
- “Setting apart Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” Interview with Phyllis Webstad, founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement on CBC Radio.
Other Ideas for Action:
- Watch or listen to the commemorative gathering live National broadcast from Parliament Hill entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Attend a free virtual program during Truth and Reconciliation week (Sept 23 – 27) to unlearn the myths of colonial history in Canada – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Lunch and Learns.
- Sign up for the University of Alberta’s free course on Indigenous Canada.
- Learn about the land you inhabit and who calls it home at https://native-land.ca/.
- Be an Indigenous Ally – learn about the impact of residential schools and amplify Indigenous voices by sharing what you’ve learned with your friends and family.
- Need more ideas of positive actions you can take? This list of 150 Acts of Reconciliation may provide some inspiration.
