Every year on September 30th, people across Canada wear orange to honour and raise awareness about the history and legacies of the residential school system in Canada. As many of you know, Indigenous Residential Schools were operated across Canada between 1831 and 1996, where survivors of these schools are alive today and attempting to find strength in family and their communites to heal. Orange Shirt Day also commits to the ongoing process of reconciliation, coming together for change as a community because every child matters!
The impact of residential schools affects every Canadian – so, what can you do to show your support and recognition? Here are some suggestions:
We encourage you to come out and support reconciliation events by purchasing an orange t-shirt for $10 where 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Indigenous causes that will help advance reconciliation and keep these conversations going.
UPDATE September 21, 2021: Every Child Matters t-shirts will now be on sale in the Main Plant Tim Horton’s/ Body/Paint Cafeteria : Tuesday September 28th & Thursday September 30th at the beginning of each shift for the first 4 hours.
UPDATE September 24, 2021: Due to the upcoming layoff the t-shirt sales will now be limited to being made available at the local union hall. There are limited quantities available and as of this moment there are no Adult large shirts available. Even though we will not be in the plant on September 30, 2021 , please take some time to recognize the day and help with reconciliation in any way possible.
Orange shirts will be made available in the Learning Centre in the Plant from Monday September 20, 2021 until all shirts have been sold. All proceeds of sales will be donated to a registered charitable organization known as The Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society.
You can also donate to the cause directly through their website found here: https://www.irsss.ca/donate
Read more about Residential Schools in Canada Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report and more: https://nctr.ca/records/reports/
Sincerely,
Constance Brown, AWOC Chair & RJA
