On September 30 we observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we pay respect to the Indigenous children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as to Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, and Indigenous communities. By recognizing the harms caused by residential schools and other colonial practices, actively learning about historical and ongoing systemic racism, correcting behaviours based in colonialism, honouring Indigenous Survivors, and mourning the children whose lives were stolen, we may begin to bring these truths to light. It is important to note that reconciliation is not an end point, but a path of continuous learning.
 

This important day also has its roots in Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is a commemorative day where we raise awareness about the impacts of residential schools and share the message, 'Every Child Matters.' The orange-coloured shirt is a symbol which represents the theft, destruction, and stripping away of identities, freedoms, and self-esteem of Indigenous children across generations.ⁱ
 

Please note that NNPBC's offices will be closed on this day out of respect and so that we may honour the victims and survivors.