National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, 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.

Bayshore Broadcasting and its radio stations recognize and support the spirit of the day. As this day is a federal statutory holiday, most Bayshore Broadcasting staff will have the day off. Our offices will be closed and some of our normal weekday programming will be running on a reduced schedule.

Bayshore encourages you, our listeners, to spend some time exploring the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. On this page, below, you’ll find links to history for those that want to learn, support resources for Survivors, and opportunities to donate to organizations/causes that are helping provide that support.

September 30th is also “Orange Shirt Day” – a commemorative day that honours the children who survived Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. The orange shirt idea comes from the experience of Phyllis Webstad, an indigenous girl who, on her first day of school, 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.

Explore Indigenous History

• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has developed a website full of written, audio, and video resources, as well as crafts and multimedia activities for all ages.
• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations. Visit their website for online resources and to learn more.
• Watch the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s primetime special at 8pm on September 30th, on APTN and CBC.
• Take in a discussion hosted by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund on its social media platforms (i.e. Facebook or Youtube) on Sept. 30th that will explore this new holiday, and how we can participate meaningfully in it.
• Listen to the clips of Indigenous voices from across the country that you heard on our stations during “A Day To Listen” on June 30th. They are available on the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund website.
• Visit your local Friendship Centre:
• If you live near Owen Sound, consider taking in one of these events:
  • Sept 30th 1-3pm at the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre – a Sacred Fire Ceremony honouring the day. You’re encouraged to wear orange, and COVID protocols are in effect; please wear a mask. (https://mwikwedong.com/event/closed-orange-shirt-day-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/)
  • Oct 2nd 2-4pm at the Gitch Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden (at Kelso Beach) – “Grandmother Sturgeon Comes Home.” This public art piece was commissioned by the Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden Committee, which selected Anishinaabe-kwe artist/sculptor Kathryn Corbiere from Manitoulin Island to imagine and create this work. The sculpture brings home to the garden the sacred presence and the teachings of Grandmother Sturgeon, and it will arrive at the park on the 2nd. COVID protocols in effect, please wear a mask, and bring a lawn chair if you wish to sit. (https://www.facebook.com/events/975145579729257/)

Resources for Survivors

Donate to a cause supporting Survivors

• The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Their goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all Canadians. Learn more or donate to their work at https://downiewenjack.ca
• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society strives to provide physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual growth, development, and healing through culturally-based values and guiding principles for Survivors, Families, and Communities. They operate a 24/7 crisis line and a numbers of programs specifically in locations across British Columbia. Learn more or donate to their work at https://www.irsss.ca/

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this page or have suggestions of other resources that could be listed here, please contact us.