On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Federated Health Charities acknowledges the harmful legacy of Canada’s residential schools. We honour the survivors and those who did not make it home, and we acknowledge the ongoing impacts of residential schools on the survivors, their families, and communities.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, which commemorates the residential school experience and honours the healing journey of the survivors and their families. Orange Shirt Day comes from the courage of Phyllis Jack Webstad, a survivor from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation who attended St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia. On her first day of school, Phyllis proudly wore an orange shirt given to her by her grandmother. When she arrived, the shirt was taken from her by school staff, never to be seen again. This marked the beginning of Phyllis’s long and traumatic separation from her family, community, culture, and language. By wearing Orange Shirts on September 30, we commit ourselves to the truth that every child matters, every day.
Federated Health Charities affirms our commitment to the principles of reconciliation as set forth in the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and our commitment to reconciliation as set out in the Calls to Action. As part of Federated Health Charities’ historical connection and ongoing partnership with Ontario’s public service employees, and as part of our mission to support and improve the health of all people across Ontario, we note our particular responsibility to further the work of reconciliation through Calls to Action #18-24, addressing healthcare, and #57, addressing public servants.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to reflect on our relationships with Indigenous peoples and commit ourselves to taking an active role in reconciliation and supporting healing for survivors and their families.
If you need someone to talk to, the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program operates a National Residential School Crisis Line for residential school Survivors and their families, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can all the toll-free Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer immediate support and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.This service is available in English and French, and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.