Phyllis Webstad, the founder and ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society, posted something on social media that likely stopped many scrollers in their tracks.
Webstad, who is Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, wrote that National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Sept. 30, does not replace Orange Shirt Day.
Many in Squamish have likely been confused about this since the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Sept 30, 2021, the day we previously only commemorated Orange Shirt Day.
“I see so many advertisements only for NDTR and have no mention of Orange Shirt Day. What I suggest/recommend is: ‘Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation’ or ‘Orange Shirt Day - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,’” she wrote.
In other words, the fact that we have NDTR Day, does not negate the opportunity to revisit what Webstad started.
She also noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day.
The reason we are invited to wear orange shirts on Saturday is to show we “commit to the enduring truth that every child matters, every day and everywhere,” reads the Orange Shirt Society website.
“A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected.”
Sept. 30 was chosen as the date for Orange Shirt Day because it is the time of year when children were historically taken from their homes to attend residential schools, “and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year.”
Orange Shirt Day was started as an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative.
It is meant to be a day of learning and growing, and of course, wearing orange, if you can.
Check out the Orange Shirt Day Society website for more on that initiative.
NDTR Day is a federal statutory holiday that was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.
On March 9, 2023, the government of B.C. passed legislation to make Sept. 30 a statutory holiday.
“It gives more people the chance to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system,” the province said.
What else can you do?
In the lead-up to Sept. 30, there are displays at the Squamish Public Library, Municipal Hall, and Brennan Park that ask: “What does reconciliation mean to you?” Folks can write down and share their answers.
You can visit the local library to learn more about residential schools and Truth and Reconciliation.
On Saturday, the NDTR procession gathers at 12:30 p.m. Meet at Winnipeg Street and Cleveland Avenue to head down to O’Siyam Pavilion for sharing and ceremony. Find out more on the event's Facebook page.
