September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This federal statutory holiday was passed into federal law in June of this year and Nova Scotia is among a handful of provinces that is also recognizing this day as an official holiday. But this is not a holiday of celebration, this is a day that honours the lost lost children and Survivors of residential schools as well as their families and communities that have been forever impacted. Public commemoration of this traumatic history and it’s ongoing impact is an important part of reconciliation.
On campus here at StFX we will have a commemorative ceremony on September 30. For the 3 days leading up to September 30 the library has been hosting button-making workshops so that our community can wear a commemorative button in solidarity with the Indigenous people of this land.
Orange Shirt Day
Before this national day was proclaimed, September 30th had been recognized as “Orange Shirt Day”. Rebekah Glendinning prepared this post about Orange Shirt Day:
What is orange shirt day?
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day, an annual event to remember and honor the Indigenous children who experienced the trauma of the residential school system.
Today we are called to remember the history of cultural genocide in Canada, to participate in meaningful discussions on the legacy of residential schools, and to reaffirm our commitments to reconciliation.
Why orange shirts?
The event is based on the story of Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school. The story has come to represent much more than a shirt, and symbolizes all that was taken away from Indigenous children.
Below is a list of books that share stories from survivors on the impact of the residential school system on them and their communities.
The report is the result of the six-year investigation completed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and the summary of the investigation is contained in its first volume. It details the often horrific stories of those forced to attend residential schools as well as 94 recommendations for ways we can move forward with reconciliation. https://stfx.novanet.ca/permalink/f/knv5cd/TN_cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9780773598201 
Acclaimed Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith writes about the history of residential schools, their impact, and the concept of reconciliation in a way that is accessible to even young readers. The book also includes questions and prompts for reflection, making this an excellent introductory text for all age groups. https://stfx.novanet.ca/permalink/f/pd8kuc/NOVANET_ALEPH005488160 
Journalist Chris Benjamin offers a comprehensive history of the Shubenacadie residential school by weaving together research and testimony from survivors, teachers and principals. https://stfx.novanet.ca/permalink/f/d4j1iq/NOVANET_ALEPH004641956 
Out of the depths is a deeply personal and detailed account of the occurrences at the residential school the author attended from 1936-1947 in Nova Scotia. Her voice as a survivor is echoed by the experiences of over 40 other former students of the school. https://stfx.novanet.ca/permalink/f/pd8kuc/NOVANET_CR000138629 
This award-winning collection of poetry by Cree poet and residential school survivor, Louise Bernice Halfe, was written as a personal response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. https://stfx.novanet.ca/permalink/f/neeh17/TN_cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9781550506662
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