Orange Shirt Day 2021
September 30, 2021 was National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which honours residential school survivors and commemorates those who did not come home. This day is also known as #OrangeShirtDay.
As an act of remembrance, Victoria University lowered the flag at Old Vic to half-mast and lit up the Isabel Bader Theatre in orange. Throughout the year, students, staff, and faculty are invited to stop by the Office of the Dean of Students (Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) to pick up orange origami paper and learn how to make a folded flower, which will join hundreds of others in an ongoing installation beginning on September 30. The flowers will be an evolving art display symbolizing a need for a resolute and continuous commitment to the 94 Truth and Reconciliation Calls To Action. We also invite our community to reflect on the significance of this day by engaging with resources and events at Victoria, U of T, and beyond.
Readings:
- Indian Residential School Findings: How Diverse Indigenous Communities Deal with Grief and Healing
(Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo) - Reconciliation Selected Readings List (E.J. Pratt Library)
- Read Indigenous: Resources & Reading List (UTSC)
Videos:
Events:
- Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events (University of Toronto)
- Truth and Reconciliation Week 2021 (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation)
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) is available 24 hours a day for those experiencing pain, distress, or trauma from their residential school experience.
Victoria University students experiencing distress may also contact U of T My Student Support Program (U of T My SSP) 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-844-451-9700.