EVERY CHILD MATTERS

Bethlehem Housing and Support Services will commemorate both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day that takes place today on September 30 by wearing orange shirts but most importantly, by taking time to listen, learn, and reflect. 

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived residential schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.  On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, to remember the victims, and honour the thousands of Survivors.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Whether you want to read, listen, watch, or try, start your learning journey today.