Today, the passion2action Team stands in solidarity with Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and participate in Orange Shirt Day. These important events serve to honour survivors and generate awareness for the residential school system and the intergenerational impacts that it continues to have on Indigenous communities.
Today also serves as an opportunity for each of us to engage in the reconciliation process. We must listen to and amplify Indigenous voices, educate ourselves on the history of Indigenous genocide in Canada — specifically with residential schools — and the ongoing impacts and injustices, and make a personal commitment to work together for a better future together.
Members of the passion2action team will be wearing orange today and attending events in our local communities.
“It is important for youth to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” says passion2action team member Maahi, “because we need to understand the history behind Canada and the role settlers played in the harm of Indigenous people”.
“I’m wearing orange to show solidarity with Indigenous peoples and to let those impacted by residential schools know that they are not alone,” says team member Merah, adding that, “I wear orange because every child matters.”
Alex shared that she is wearing orange today, “To remember the ones who survived, to remember the ones who are still hurting, and to remember the ones who never made it home”.
“I wear orange on September 30,” said Mercedes, “because it’s important for us to recognize the past and learn from it”.
“As a grassroots youth empowerment organization,” says passion2action founder Jonah, “we are committed to affirming that ‘Every Child Matters’ in all of the work we do”.
At passion2action, we feel it is our responsibility to continue to build relationships with Indigenous Nations with a willingness to learn and in the spirit of respectful collaboration. We remain committed to standing alongside Indigenous Nations to share truths, fight injustice, and advance reconciliation on the land and in the community.
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If you are looking to educate yourself about the residential school system and history of Indigenous genocide in Canada, we recommend the following resources to start your learning journey:
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
The Survivors Speak: A Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples