September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. “The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.” It is also Orange Shirt Day, an “Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.” (Government of Canada website).
We reproduce here a statement from the FCJ Christian Life Centre in Calgary which appeared in their October News email.
At the FCJ Christian Life Centre, the FCJ Centre staff and the FCJ Sisters recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day as an important step toward reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters, their families, and communities. We wish to acknowledge the first caretakers of this land where the FCJ Centre is situated, and we pray for healing for all.
Our share our small contribution towards awareness and healing:
- The FCJ Centre will recognize and observe September 30 as an important part of the reconciliation process. The Centre will be closed on September 30 and will reopen on Tuesday, October 1. This day can be used for a quiet day of prayer or to participate in community events.
- We have created a dedicated webpage for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) List of Activities and Learning Resources.
- We held a special prayer and reflection on September 25 during our staff meeting.
- An Indigenous Peoples display will be set up in our lobby from September 27 to 29, which you are welcome to view.
- During the September 29 Open House (for the 10:00am Mass group of St. Mary’s Cathedral), in general we will invite guests to visit the display and view the Indigenous artworks in our lobby. Staff and sisters assisting with the Open House are encouraged to wear orange shirts.
We highly encourage you and your family members to participate in one of the following activities and events, and to check out the learning resources at https://www.fcjcentre.ca/ntrcactivities
