Edison College encourages reflection, learning, and advocacy on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024, honoring the survivors of residential schools and acknowledging the ongoing journey toward healing. The focus must remain on education, active participation, and responsibility in advancing reconciliation beyond symbolic gestures.
Introduction
September 30 marks a significant day for all Canadians – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. At Edison College, this day represents an opportunity for learning, self-reflection, and action. While it’s a day to honor the children lost to residential schools and the survivors who still carry that pain, it’s also a day for everyone to deepen their commitment to understanding Canada’s history and advancing reconciliation efforts.
Beyond Orange: Honoring Stories and Legacies
The origins of this day are deeply personal. It began as Orange Shirt Day, inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at a residential school. However, the message goes beyond the orange shirts we wear – it’s about honoring the lives and cultures diminished by the residential school system.
Between 1831 and 1996, over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in residential schools, a system designed to strip them of their language, traditions, and identities. While these schools may have closed, the trauma lingers, reverberating across generations.
Education as the Foundation of Reconciliation
At Edison College, we acknowledge that education plays a crucial role in reconciliation. As a learning institution, we’re committed to fostering greater awareness of Canada’s colonial past and supporting the education of Indigenous history and culture across the country.
This day encourages all of us to go beyond symbolic gestures. Wearing orange is a start, but real change requires a deeper understanding of the experiences of residential school survivors and the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. It’s about more than recognition – it’s about responsibility.
What You Can Do: A Guide to Active Participation
You don’t need to wait until September 30 to be part of the reconciliation journey. In everyday life, there are ways to embody the spirit of this day:
- Listen and Grow: Engage in meaningful conversations about the legacies of colonization and its ongoing effects. Challenge misconceptions and be an ally in advocating for justice and equity.
- Engage in Active Learning: Take this day as an opportunity to expand your knowledge of Canada’s residential school history. Whether it’s reading survivor testimonies or watching educational documentaries, immerse yourself in the stories that form the foundation of reconciliation.
- Support Indigenous Voices: Seek out Indigenous authors, artists, and organizations. Whether through literature, art, or business, Indigenous voices are central to understanding their lived experiences and aspirations for the future.
- Incorporate Indigenous Perspectives: In your academic or professional life, find ways to include Indigenous history and lore. Whether it’s through project partnerships, event collaborations, or simply amplifying Indigenous stories, every action counts.
- Advocate for Change: Reconciliation requires more than awareness. Advocate for policies and initiatives that address the inequalities Indigenous peoples continue to face in areas such as education, healthcare, and child welfare.
Truth, Healing, and Progress
For true reconciliation, acknowledging the truth is essential. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established to uncover the impacts of the residential school system, leading to the creation of the 94 Calls to Action. These calls provide a blueprint for healing and justice, touching on critical areas such as Indigenous education, cultural preservation, and economic development.
While progress has been made, the road to reconciliation is far from complete. It’s crucial to remember that this process is ongoing, requiring consistent effort from both individuals and institutions across Canada.
Land Acknowledgement
Spanning generations, acknowledgement of the land is a traditional custom of Indigenous people when welcoming outsiders onto their land and into their homes. In the spirit of reconciliation, Edison College acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Esquimalt and Songhees), Malahat, Pacheedaht, Scia’new, T’Sou-ke, W̱SÁNEĆ (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum), and all people who make their homes in southern Vancouver Island.
Conclusion
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is about reflection, but it’s also about responsibility. We are all accountable for the past, but more importantly, for shaping a future where Indigenous cultures thrive. As we look toward September 30, let us remember that reconciliation is not a one-time event – it’s a commitment to ongoing learning, healing, and respect for Indigenous rights.
Picture by Freepik
