A National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 30th was first observed in 2021 as a federal statutory holiday.  It was in Call to Action #80, which states: “ We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with aboriginal peoples, to establish, as has statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honor Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains A vital component of the reconciliation process.”

Previously, September 30th had been known as Orange Shirt Day which began in 2013 when Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told her story of her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School when her shiny new orange shirt bought by her grandmother was taken from her as a six-year-old girl.

Webstad is a residential school Survivor and founder of Orange Shirt Day. She currently serves as ambassador for the Orange Shirt Society. It was in 2013 when she first told the story of how her new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken from her on her first day at residential school.

Today, people across Canada and, increasingly in the United States and beyond, wear orange shirts to acknowledge the horrific truths of the genocide committed through the country’s residential school system. But it all began as the childhood experience of Phyllis Webstad of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem (Canoe Creek Dog Creek) First Nation. By sharing her own personal story, she spoke for thousands of Survivors and those who never made it home. (https://orangeshirtday.org/about/phyllis-story/)

Since then and thanks largely to Webstad’s efforts, which have included publishing five children’s books, the orange shirt has become a symbol of Truth and Reconciliation, a visible reminder of the residential school system along with the message that “Every Child Matters.”

The educational movement highlighted by her story led to Sept. 30 being recognized as Orange Shirt Day, and eventually to the federal government establishing that day as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It became a statutory holiday in B.C. in 2023.

Phyllis Webstad’s contributions are foundational to the public awareness and understanding of the history of Canada and its evolving relationship with Indigenous Peoples. Her work to bring about this level of public awareness is monumental and has created a movement towards respect, safety, and justice for all people in Canada and beyond.

Do you have an orange shirt for September 30? Even wearing an orange ribbon can be a meaningful gesture.

By wearing orange, we say:

We remember.
We acknowledge the truth.
We honour survivors and their families.
We commit ourselves to reconciliation.

-Sister Kathleen Lichti, CSJ

Stand Up to Cancer Day

There is an interesting synergy between society’s calendar and the liturgical calendar today. One of the communion antiphons provided for today proclaims: “Come to me, all who labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you, says the Lord.” Our daily experience is filled with moments of burden, probably one of the most frequent is hearing of friends and family who are dealing with cancer in its various stages.

Today, society’s calendar offers us an opportunity to hold in our hearts those we cherish who are dealing with cancer, and at the same time become more aware of the research and contribute through financial donations. “Stand Up To Cancer” is an American organization started in 2007 by a group of women involved in media. The first case of cancer was documented around 3000 BCE on papyrus, and in 1903 radiation therapy was first used. The Canadian Cancer Society was founded in 1938. Over the many centuries research has identified the various types of cancer, some causes, and treatments that can slow and even manage the growth for periods of time.

Today, Stand Up to Cancer Day reminds us of the need for donations to continue the research.  The Canadian Cancer Society always welcomes our support.

From the scripture passage quoted above the phrase “I will refresh you” conveys the hope that holds us through times of trial. As a society we might consider that hope in the research work, and through the scientists who collaborate to find cures. As people of faith that hope also is found in the many persons who care for those suffering; hope is found in the cancer survivors who tell their stories and claim each day as gift; hope is found in walking the journey with friends and family, being supportive and hearing their stories. Stories that take hold of the situation and seek the energy for that one single day. These are my heroes, who teach me to cherish the gift of life. They “stand up to cancer” whether it be through their commitment to the therapies, their cherished time of resting, their pondering and sharing of treasured memories, their struggles to accept this challenge.

As we continue to support the research and researchers, especially today let us be mindful of our heroes who “stand up to cancer”. As a community, we hold them in prayer and walk with them on their journey.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, CSJ

Image: National Cancer Institute/Unsplash