Truth and Reconciliation Day can bring a range of emotions, depending on who you are and how much you know about the significance of the annual observance.
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the movement began in Williams Lake, B.C., on Sept. 30, 2013, as a grassroots effort to honour residential school Survivors, their families and the children who never returned home. It has since grown into a national day of remembrance, reflection and reconciliation, with communities and organizations across Canada taking part each year.
Chief Taynor Simpson of Alderville First Nation has spent much of his life learning about the events that led to the observance. He says that work remains ongoing.
For Simpson, the idea of making Sept. 30 a “Day to Listen” has taken on greater meaning with each passing year.
Simpson says one of the most troubling issues remains the continued denial that the atrocities associated with the residential school system occurred.
He says that, at a time when information is more readily available than ever, the persistence of denial is particularly concerning.
Simpson’s responsibilities as Chief extend beyond the day-to-day affairs of Alderville First Nation. He has also conducted extensive research into residential school Survivors and the history surrounding the system.
Over the years, Simpson has interviewed and researched thousands of people, documenting stories that share many common themes.
When asked what reconciliation really means, Simpson points to the importance of listening and taking meaningful action on all sides.
Simpson says one of the more positive developments surrounding Orange Shirt Day is the increased awareness of residential school history, particularly through education in schools.
He also says stronger relationships between First Nations and the media have helped create better opportunities for communication. The “us and them” approach of the past, he says, appears to be giving way to greater understanding and dialogue.
Simpson says that communication will be critical as Canadians continue working toward reconciliation.
In one more recent and deeply troubling case, another tragedy prompted millions of Canadians to confront the continuing impact of a painful chapter in the country’s history.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
