Latter-day Saints Mark Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — Orange Shirt Day

September 30, 2021, marks Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints join with all Canadians in observing this day.

The Government of Canada states on its website: “Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (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, and to honour the thousands of Survivors” (“National Day of Truth and Reconciliation”).

Although this day has been observed by many since 2013, this year marks the first Canadian statutory holiday designed to educate people and promote awareness about the Indian residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities.

How can Latter-day Saints and other Canadians be a part of Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? Beyond wearing an orange shirt, here are eight ideas to help you engage in the process of reconciliation:

1. Learn about First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in your area, including their histories, achievements and contributions.
2. Learn about the traditional territories in your area (a helpful resource is https://native-land.ca). Learn the names of the people who have historically cared for these lands. Acknowledge the ways in which you share and love the land where you live.
3. Watch films, read literature and engage with art by Indigenous artists and authors. Follow Indigenous organizations and news on social media.
4. Watch for Indigenous community events that are open to the public in your area. Attend and learn.
5. Volunteer to provide service or help to raise funds for an Indigenous organization or charity./li>
6. Learn how to introduce yourself in the Indigenous language of the territory in which you live (a helpful resource is https://www.firstvoices.com).
7. Follow the counsel of President Russell M. Nelson: “I call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. I plead with you to promote respect for all of God’s children” (“Let God Prevail,” October 2020 general conference).
8. Check JustServe.org for volunteer projects that support Indigenous peoples in your area.