Recognize Orange Shirt Day at BPL
Orange Shirt Day grew out of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Today, it is a national initiative to reflect on the harmful legacy of residential schools and commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. The federal statutory holiday (September 30) is now called National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, though many people continue to refer to it as Orange Shirt Day.
Canada’s residential school system was part of a purposeful attempt by the government to erase all aspects of First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture. From 1883 to 1997, over 150,000 children were taken from their families, often by force. Abuse within residential schools was widespread, and thousands of children never returned home.
The final report from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission specifically highlights the important role libraries have in educating and raising awareness about residential schools. We at BPL are committed to providing resources and programming to support learning about the legacy of residential schools—and honour the healing journey of survivors and their families.
We invite you to join us at the events below, and wear an orange shirt on Friday, September 30, to affirm that Every Child Matters. We recommend supporting the Orange Shirt Day Society or the Woodland Cultural Centre if you still need a shirt or wish to make a donation.
Truth & Reconciliation Events
Orange Shirt Day buttons | Sat Sept 24 – Fri Sept 30 | CENTRAL
Visit to our MakerSpace on the 3rd floor at Central during open hours and we’ll help you make an Every Child Matters button to take home and wear on Orange Shirt Day. While supplies last.
Reconciliation Talk with David A. Robertson | Wed Sept 28
In June 2021, award-winning Cree author David A. Robertson curated a CBC Books list, which has since circulated widely across Turtle Island as a resource, syllabus, and most importantly, a call to action. David A. Robertson joins us virtually to provide context for the list and his thoughts on our continued journey forward.
Read-Along for Residential Schools| Thu Sept 29 | 7-8pm | CENTRAL
How can we heal in the face of trauma? How can we transform intergenerational pain into a passion for community and healing? Read Genocidal Love by Bevann Fox during the month of September, and then join us for an open dialogue facilitated by Sherry Saevil, Indigenous Education Advisor for Halton Catholic District School Board.
City of Burlington Truth & Reconciliation
The City of Burlington is inviting everyone in Burlington to Spencer Smith Park on Friday, Sept 30 from 4-7pm to learn and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with displays, events, and information booths.
Burlington Public Library is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Recommended books, movies & more:
Orange Shirt Day: Videos and resources to support education.
Kids Booklist: Indigenous Reads for 2021
Adult Booklist: Orange Shirt Day Reads for Adults
Adult Booklist: Will You Be Wearing Your Orange Shirt Today?
Adult Booklist: Indigenous Writers to Read
Adult Booklist: Indigenous Voices - Staff Non-Fiction Picks
Adult Booklist: Indigenous Books, Podcasts & Films
Teen Booklist: Orange Shirt Day
Teen Booklist: Featured Picks by Indigenous Authors
