September 30th, National Truth and Reconciliation Day - also known as Orange Shirt Day - was established in honour of the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose gift of clothing from her grandmother was taken away on Webstad's first day at a residential school. Orange Shirt Day was created as an opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy. It honours the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, celebrates resilience and affirms a commitment that every child matters Residential schools are not far in the past; the last one closed in 1996. As Webstad's story attests, many survivors are still coping with the trauma from their time at the schools, including physical and sexual abuse. The intergenerational impact is still felt through communities. Wearing an orange shirt on September 30 reminds us of the impact of residential schools still felt today. #orangeshirtday #everychildmatters #dayfortruthandreconciliation (at Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjIQUWoug2f/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
