[September 25, 2024] The Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to honour survivors of the residential school system on Sept. 30 by participating in one of many Orange Shirt Day events taking place across the province, Premier Wab Kinew, minister responsible for Indigenous reconciliation, announced today.
“Every Child Matters is a call to action to learn from history and ensure the harm caused by the residential school system is never forgotten,” said Kinew. “The Orange Shirt Day events taking place across our province over the next week are incredible learning opportunities and I encourage Manitobans to take part.”
Orange Shirt Day, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is a day to recognize and reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, honour survivors and remember the children who never returned home.
In December 2023, Manitoba established Orange Shirt Day as a provincial statutory holiday, so that all Manitobans have the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of residentials schools and the profound impacts of that trauma that still exists today, noted the premier.
To mark the historic event, the Manitoba government allocated up to $800,000 to establish the Orange Shirt Day Fund. The fund provides one-time grant funding for projects and initiatives that raise awareness of Orange Shirt Day and create opportunities for Manitobans to come together in observation, reflection and commemoration.
Events supported by this fund are taking place throughout the province. To find one near you, visit www.gov.mb.ca/inr/osd.html#events.
The premier noted the investment aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and specifically responds to Call to Action No. 80 to establish a statutory holiday in honour of survivors, their families and communities to ensure the public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component in the truth and reconciliation process.
This initiative also aligns with commitments made in the November 2023 speech from the throne to advance truth and reconciliation in Manitoba.
Manitobans are encouraged to wear orange to work or school on Sept. 30 in honour of residential school survivors, their families and communities and those who never returned home.
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