Warning: This story contains content that could be triggering. For mental health or crisis support, please contact the KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717 or click here for FNHA's mental health and wellness support services.
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 by encouraging everyone to wear orange to show your solidarity in honouring and remembering the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, communities and our future generations.
Orange is a very important color for First Nations people and communities during September, it symbolizes resilience, honour, and solidarity. It has been bringing First Nations and non-First Nations people and communities together since 2013. Orange Shirt Day is a way for all people to show their support for Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, and all First Nations children and our relatives who were stripped of their belongings, culture, and communities when taken to residential school.
Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to share our ongoing commitment to learning and deepening our understanding of our shared history for continued healing and moving forward together in a good way. It is also a time to honour the survivors, their families, and their communities and to remember those who did not get to go home. We know every child matters.
As the health and wellness partner to First Nations people and communities in BC, the FNHA considers that self-determination and reconciliation is a fundamental part of its purpose as an organization. The FNHA is deeply committed to cultural safety and humility and that commitment includes providing support for organizations looking to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
In 2021 the Government of Canada passed a bill designating Sept. 30 a statutory federal holiday called “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation." The day, however, is not meant to simply be an opportunity to take a day off work or school. It was number 80 of 94 calls to action in the final report of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2008-2015), so that Canadians, as allies, could spend a day learning and reflecting on the truth of our shared history.
We want to continue to hear from you, your community and your friends and family about what September 30 and reconciliation means to you! Why do you wear orange on September 30? What are you doing this Orange Shirt Day to show your solidarity?
Share your thoughts with us by writing into our Wellness Inbox at Wellness@fnha.ca or by tagging us (search FNHA or First Nations Health Authority) and use the hashtag #FNHASeptember30 on social media.
Please check with your Nation, community, band office, local friendship centre or municipality to find out how you can participate in local events on this day. We encourage you to take care of their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness during this time. If you require support, please see the resource list below and reach out.
Cultural Safety and Humility Resources
To learn more, visit Cultural Safety and Humility.
Further Learning
There are many ways to learn more about Canada's history with Indigenous people, these are some suggestions to get started.
Truth:
Reconciliation:
Wellness and Cultural Supports:
The FNHA is also providing cultural, emotional, and mental health counselling services. For more information, please visit Mental Health and Wellness.
FNHA's Mental Health and Wellness Supports page: Mental Health and Wellness Supports (fnha.ca)
Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Society (cultural support and counselling): 1-888-403-3123 Indian Residential School Survivors Society: 1-800-721-0066 or 604-985-4464 KUU-US Crisis Line Society:
Adults/Elders: 250-723-4050;
Children/Youth: 250-723-2040;
Toll-free: 1-800-588-8717
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