National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: A Time for Reflection and Learning in Kamloops
Every year on September 30th, Canadians come together to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It’s a day dedicated to remembering and honoring the survivors of the residential school system, as well as the thousands of Indigenous children who never returned home. Here in Kamloops, this day holds particular significance, as the Kamloops Indian Residential School stands as a somber symbol of the legacy of these institutions in Canada.
Why the Day Matters
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is more than just a statutory holiday, it’s a crucial time for the country to reflect on its history. For generations, Indigenous communities have faced the lasting effects of colonialism, including forced assimilation through residential schools. These institutions, run by religious organizations, aimed to erase Indigenous cultures and languages. The legacy of trauma from this era is still deeply felt by survivors and their descendants.
In 2021, the discovery of unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School brought global attention to the tragic realities of Canada’s residential school system. The revelation of over 200 potential burial sites was a devastating reminder of the nation’s dark history. For many in Kamloops, this discovery has reinforced the need to continue the work of truth and reconciliation.
Honoring the Survivors and the Lost Children
The importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is underscored by its role in commemorating survivors and those who did not make it home. This day provides an opportunity for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians to learn about the experiences of these children and the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures.
Wearing an orange shirt on this day has become a powerful symbol. The tradition began with Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor from the Secwépemc Nation, whose orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day at school. The shirt represents the loss of identity, culture, and innocence experienced by countless Indigenous children. By wearing orange, we not only honor Phyllis’s story but also show solidarity with survivors and their communities.
What Can We Do in Kamloops?
In Kamloops, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation offers an opportunity for all residents to engage in meaningful reflection and education. There are many ways to participate, including attending events hosted by local Indigenous groups, visiting the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community, or taking part in ceremonies and gatherings that honor residential school survivors.
Local schools, businesses, and organizations can also play a role by hosting educational sessions and discussions around the history of residential schools and Indigenous cultures. For non-Indigenous residents, it is important to approach this day with humility and a willingness to listen. Learning about the real history of Canada—one that often wasn’t taught in schools—requires an openness to the stories of pain, survival, and healing that Indigenous communities have shared.
Moving Forward Together
While the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is only one day, its message should resonate throughout the year. Kamloops, like the rest of Canada, is in the process of grappling with its past and building a future based on mutual understanding and respect. Reconciliation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing journey that requires education, action, and the recognition of Indigenous rights.
For Kamloops residents, the day is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, to listen to the stories of survivors, and to consider the ways we can support Indigenous communities in the work of healing. Through collective action and individual efforts, we can all contribute to a more just and equitable future.
On September 30th, let us remember that the path to reconciliation is one that we must walk together, with open hearts and minds.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time for Kamloops and all of Canada to honor the survivors, remember the children who were lost, and commit to learning the truth about the residential school system. By taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation, we can begin to heal the wounds of the past and ensure that future generations grow up in a country where all cultures are respected and cherished.
Let’s wear our orange shirts, attend community events, and, most importantly, listen and learn. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility, and together we can build a brighter, more inclusive future.
Darryl Schmidt
One of my interests is following technology trends and how they can be implemented in a way that benefits people. I do my best to be a community builder and this website is an example of that 🙂
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