September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read on to learn about these days, how the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is honouring them, community events, and where to learn more.

Contact the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Coordinator for more details or to add additional events DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447.

About September 30th

About Orange Shirt Day

The Orange Shirt Day movement was started by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a member of Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation and residential school Survivor. As she prepared to go to residential school at six years old, Phyllis's grandmother bought her a new orange shirt. When she arrived at the school, the shirt was taken from her. For Phyllis, the shirt represented her experience at residential school, and the neglect and harm children faced. Today, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led, commemorative day to reflect, learn, and raise awareness about the inter-generational impacts of residential schools. September 30th was chosen because it's the time of year children would be taken from their home to residential schools.

Learn more about Orange Shirt Day from the Orange Shirt Society or read the book Phyllis's Orange Shirt.

About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 2021 as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This is a day to lean in, listen, and learn about the ongoing impacts of colonization, including residential schools. It's a day to learn the 'truth' of our shared history, but also about how we can create pathways towards reconciliation and healing in our personal and professional lives.

Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day on the Government of Canada website.

Events

Below is a list of some of the events happening in Chatham-Kent. Events are open to everyone. We hope you will wear orange and participate as able, to show support for Truth and Reconciliation in Chatham-Kent.

Feel free to save and share the poster below. Contact DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca for a PDF version. More details about each event are listed below.

Tuesday, September 26, 11:30 AM Flag Walk & Raising

Starts: Deshkan Ziibi Indigenous Hub, 495 King St W., Chatham

Ends: Civic Centre, 315 King St W., Chatham

Walk with and raise the Truth & Reconciliation Survivor's flag. Partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Maawnjidimi Indigenous Network, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre. Police escort will be present.

Thursday, September 28 Sunrise & Moon Gatherings

7:00AM Sunrise Gathering; 8:00AM Networking Breakfast; 9:00-11:00AM Sharing Circle

7:00-9:00PM Full Moon Gathering

All events at Deshkan Ziibi Indigenous Hub, 495 King St. W. Chatham. Bring a lawn chair and warm clothing.

Offered through the 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, and Women's Equity Business.

Friday, September 29, 10:00 AM Orange Shirt Day Storytime

120 Queen Street, Chatham

Join the CK Public Library, Chatham Branch, for storytime to recognize and support Orange Shirt Day with Linda Lou, guest Librarian from Bkejwanong Territory, Walpole Island First Nation Public Library.

Friday, September 29, 10:30 AM Healing Walk and Gathering

Starts: Wallaceburg Library, 209 James St., Wallaceburg

Ends: Civic Square Park, Wallaceburg

Walk together and listen to guest speakers share their experiences and ideas about how we can heal. Partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Bkejwanong Territory Giyakiishchigewin program.

Saturday, September 30th, 7-11PM. Turns and Tales

By Punk Rock Flea Market. All ages and communities friendly event. Punk Nite Honours Truth & Reconciliation. Indigenous vendors. Donation to local charity. DJ Sisyphus playing Indigenous artists.

Learn

September 30th is a great time to commit to learning. Resources to support learning are included below. This list is not comprehensive but is meant as a starting place.

Listen:

A Day to Listen (September 30th)

Tune in to your favourite local radio station to learn about Mino Bimaadiziwin (the Good Life in Anishinabemowin). Learn more from the Downie & Wenjack Fund website.

Watch:

Orange Shirt Day

Learn about the origins of Orange Shirt Day through this Youtube video by the Orange Shirt Society.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Lunch and Learns (September 25-29, 1:30-2:20 each day)

Open to anyone, five different webinars are offered throughout the week covering everything from the history and impacts of residential school, unconscious bias, to frameworks for how to move towards reconciliation. Learn more from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

Read:

Residential Schools Timeline

A visual timeline of residential schools in Canada. Find it on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

The Witness Blank

Explore items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings accompanied by the voices of Survivors. Visit The Witness Blanket website.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

Drafted from consultations with residential schools survivors and family members across the Canada. Recommendations are directed at individuals, organizations, and all levels of government. Read the Calls to Action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

CK Road to Understanding Indigenous Cultures

Learn about local First Nations, relationships with government, and Treaties. Find the resource on the Living CK website. Hard copies of this resource are available by contacting the DEIJ Coordinator.

Supports

You are not alone. Reach out if you need support.

Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help 24/7 to all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 1-855-242-3310 (toll free) or online chat www.hopeforwellness.ca

National Residential School Crisis Line provides 24/7 crisis support to former Residential School students and their families. 1-866-925-4419 (toll free)