Tomorrow is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and A Day to Listen on 94.1 myFM.
It’s also in recognition of Orange Shirt Day, giving residents a space to reflect on the tragic and painful history, as well as the ongoing impacts of residential schools.
We talked with Chris Patriquin, whose relatives left Oneida Nation of the Thames because of the residential school threat.
He adds Indigenous Peoples have been advocating for this recognition for many years.
Calling it a small step forward in our journey of reconciliation, St. Thomas is set to host a noon-hour ceremony tomorrow at city hall.
Mayor Joe Preston says it is about doing better in the future.
Ray John of Oneida Nation has been awarded for working “tirelessly in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.”
He is an Indigenous cultural teacher at the London District Catholic School Board and advocates for engaging in conversations with students at a very young age.
John adds the true impact of National Day For Truth and Reconciliation will only be of value if the engagement continues well into the future to bring about meaningful change.
Last year, at the second commemoration of National Day For Truth and Reconciliation at city hall in St. Thomas, a hundred or so individuals, police officers, politicians, business owners and residential school survivor Florence Henshaw gathered in an orange wave in front of city hall over the noon hour.
It’s a story that tears at the heart. But years later it recognizes the legacy of the residential school system in Canada.
Organizer Betty Jean Phillips Budden explained the use of an orange shirt as a symbol was inspired by the accounts of Phyllis Webstad.
She added the phrase Every Child Matters is a symbol of stripping away the culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children.
But, we are making progress moving forward, notes John.
Budden closed her presentation last year with a request.
She reminded those in attendance the last residential school closed in 1996. And the effects of the schools can still be seen in communities across Canada today.
Tomorrow (Saturday), from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 94.1 myFM, guest hosts and listeners will speak about Indigenous identity through conversations about representation in sports and entertainment, the fusion of traditional and contemporary music, land protection and the impacts of climate change, and more.
