I will be using APA format for citations in this assignment.
Orange Shirt Day is the national day for truth and reconciliation, originally and still widely known as Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is important because it honors Indigenous children who endured abuse in Canada’s residential schools. It raises awareness about the lasting trauma, supports healing, and promotes reconciliation
Orange Shirt Society (2024). [Orange Shirt Society logo with orange shirt on left]. Orange Shirt Society.
The Beyond 94 website, launched by CBC News in 2018, tracks progress on the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Canada. These calls aim to address the harm caused by residential schools and promote reconciliation. This site updates the status of each call, categorizing them as Not Started, In Progress, or Complete. It also features survivor stories, status reports, and video documentaries to raise awareness and show how governments and communities are working toward healing and justice for Indigenous peoples.
CBC News (2018). [Each call to action in circles describing what it is]. CBC News.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day was established in 2021 to honor residential school survivors and reflect on their legacy. The date, September 30, was chosen to coincide with Orange Shirt Day, which raises awareness about the trauma of residential schools. The day was created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 report, which called for a day of reflection to promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
Government of British Columbia (2024). National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. British Columbia. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Website
Call to action 63 iii is Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. This assignment builds intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect by encouraging me to learn about the history and impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities. It helps me understand their experiences, fostering emotional empathy for the trauma caused. By recognizing the significance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, I develop respect for Indigenous cultures and contribute to the process of reconciliation. This learning promotes a deeper connection to the importance of healing and mutual understanding between cultures.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2012). Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action. Commission of Canada https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf
The Kwikwetlem Nation name comes from the Halq’eméylem word for “people of the muddy water,” referring to the Coquitlam River. Their traditional territory includes areas around Coquitlam, Coquitlam Lake, and the river, where they historically relied on fishing, especially salmon. In the past, the Kwikwetlem thrived through fishing, hunting, and gathering. Today, they focus on cultural revitalization, land protection, and economic development. Looking ahead, they aim to strengthen their community, protect their environment, and advance reconciliation while preserving their culture for future generations.
Kwikwetlem First Nation (2021, October 4). The Story of Kwikwetlem. Youtube.
The Kwikwetlem Nation speaks hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, a language from the Salishan language family, spoken by several Coast Salish peoples. The language features unique sounds, including glottalized consonants and diacritics that affect pronunciation. Traditionally oral, it faced decline due to colonial policies, but there are current efforts to revitalize it. The Kwikwetlem Nation is working to teach and preserve hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ for future generations, ensuring it remains a vital part of their culture and identity.