For a century the federal government ran a program of forced assimilation of Indigenous children by requiring they attend Indian Residential Schools.
The effect of these schools was to steal the language and culture from generations of people, leaving them with ashes and trauma.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange shirt day) now exists to remember the legacy of these schools and honour the survivors. We wear orange shirts in solidarity with Phyllis Jack Webstand, who recounted a story of her brand new orange shirt being stripped from her as a six year old.
Mass unmarked graves of children have been found at some of these schools and endless stories have been passed down about abuse both physical and sexual, and untold deaths from neglect and abuse.
Children everywhere deserve safety, gentleness, and the right to their family's culture and legacy.
I was aware of these residential schools and the extent of the horrors but didn't know there was a day honoring those affected. I'm glad. It's the bare minimum.
Another thing about this is because it was covered up and most people don't know some (on the right mostly) like to claim it is ancient history. The last Residential school actually closed in 1994.
@beermeplease Part of being serious about our history is seeing the good and the bad and not hiding from either. Blows my mind I learned about these schools in 2013 not when I grew up in the 80s.
