The Biblio File
September 26, 2022
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day) was first established as an observance in 2013, as part of an effort to promote awareness and education of the residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities for over a century.
The use of an orange shirt as a symbol was inspired by the accounts of Phyllis Jack Webstad, whose personal clothing—including a new orange shirt—was taken from her during her first day of residential schooling, and never returned. The orange shirt is thus used as a symbol of the forced assimilation of Indigenous children that the residential school system enforced.
September 30, 2022 is a day that gives us the opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy. It honours the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, celebrates resilience and affirms a commitment that every child matters.
Please stop by the library and see our Indigenous Voices parent pack, a curated collection of children’s books to raise awareness.
The library will be closed on Friday, September 30, 2022.