September 30, 2021 is the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) in Canada. This date was declared a statutory federal holiday with the passage of Bill C-5 in June of this year, in response to Call to Action #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).
The date also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which has been observed by many across Canada as a day for honouring Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and commemorating those who never returned.
It is a day for solemn remembrance, reflection, prayer and mourning for the physical and culture genocide suffered by Indigenous peoples in Canada. The residential school era began in the early 1870’s, with the last school closing in 1996. More than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children attended these schools. There are an estimated 80,000 survivors living today. Members of the Anglican Church of Canada participated in these sins and crimes. On behalf of the church, Anglican Archbishop Michael Peers made a formal apology in 1993. By the grace of God, the Church is repenting and seeking right relations with Indigenous people. Canterbury College is committed to reconciliation, and to fostering respect and mutual understanding with all Indigenous peoples and communities. We encourage you to partner in this work by listening, learning and sharing. There are many resources available online and through the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network that will be airing special programming throughout the day on September 30.
There will also be an Every Child Matters Healing Walk held on the Windsor riverfront between 11AM-6PM, Thursday September 30th.
The Board of Directors, Canterbury College