On Friday September 30th, Canadians will mark the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day recognizes the history of the Canadian residential school system. We will honour the First Nation, Métis, and Inuit survivors of Residential Schools and commemorate those who did not return. PAPER LABEL will be reflecting on the legacies of the Residential School system, colonial policies and the cultural genocide of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
This day, and every day, we need to act towards creating a place where Indigenous peoples are heard. Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian. Here are actions that we at PAPER LABEL are exploring.
WEARING ORANGE
Before being officially recognized by the federal government, this date was known as Orange Shirt Day. Gestures such wearing an orange shirt and displaying one in your window can have a powerful impact on survivors. Here's why, and where to buy.
LEARNING THE HISTORY
The damages inflicted by Residential Schools continue to this day. For many survivors, talking about their experiences in residential schools means reliving the traumas they experienced. For years, many told no one about what they had endured.
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice
- Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website
- Learn about residential schools and take a tour of former sites, such as those offered by the Woodland Cultural Centre
- Research First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in your area to understand their history and contributions to society
- Access the Indigenous Resource Guide curated by NSCC Libraries
SUPPORTING AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS ARTISANS AND BUSINESSES
Support the work of Indigenous artisans and their traditional craft, such as quilling on birch bark and basket weaving. Add Indigenous art to your cart and strengthen a digital economy rooted in care for the land and each other.
Where to shop in-person and online
ATTENDING AN EVENT
We encourage you to attend Indigenous cultural events open to the public. Click here for various online events in cities across Canada that you can partake. And below is a list of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in cities Canada-wide.
MAKING A DONATION
You can also help organizations across the country that are working to support survivors and further reconciliation. To get started, here are a few organizations below.
Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society
DONATE HERE
Legacy of Hope Foundation
DONATE HERE
Orange Shirt Society
DONATE HERE
True North Aid
DONATE HERE
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
DONATE HERE
Reconciliation Canada
DONATE HERE
We continue our pursuit to learn about the stories of the First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples while encouraging others to discover additional resources and ways to give back or get involved within their own community.
In honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day, PAPER LABEL will be donating 25% of our sales on Sept. 30 to The Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS) — a provincial organization with a twenty-year history of providing services to Indian Residential School Survivors.
And to our staff, we welcome them to take time in the day to reflect or join an event.
Image credit: Waterloo Region District School Board