Every Child Matters - Tumblr Posts

I Lost My Talk

 I lost my talk

The talk you took away.

When I was a little girl

At Shubenacadie school.

You snatched it away:

I speak like you

I think like you

I create like you

The scrambled ballad, about my word.

Two ways I talk

Both ways I say,

Your way is more powerful.

So gently I offer my hand and ask,

Let me find my talk

So I can teach you about me.

Rita Joe

Every Child Matters (for National Day of Truth & Reconciliation)

For anyone who doesn't know what's going on in Canada right now (which, let's be real, is probably everyone who's not in Canada):

This week, a mass grave was discovered at a former Indian Residential School, in Kamloops, BC. The grave contained the bodies of 215 Indigenous children.

For people outside of North America, residential schools were places that Indigenous children were sent to, to have their language and culture stripped away from them. They were literally stolen from their families, and scattered across Canada, to ensure that they would be surrounded by children who didn't speak their language. They were given Christian names and forced to speak English. They were horrendously abused, and the survivors have been traumatized.

Hundreds of children never returned. The assumption has always been that they died. This has now been confirmed.

The school in Kamloops closed in 1978. They are now trying to identify bodies to inform family members. The last residential school closed in the 1990s. There is growing demand to search all of them, but the government hasn't responded to that, as of yet. Ottawa JUST gave in to pressure to fly the Canada flag at half mast. They weren't even going to do that.

This is the reality if anti-Indigenous racism in Canada. The residential schools may be closed, but that hasn't stopped the abduction of Indigenous children, let alone the hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day: Remembering the Importance of Orange Shirt Day

Shaina Tranquilino

September 30, 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of truth and reconciliation in acknowledging and healing the wounds caused by historical injustices. Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Day, recognized on September 30th annually, serves as a crucial reminder that understanding our past is essential for building a more inclusive and harmonious future. In conjunction with this day, Orange Shirt Day stands as a poignant symbol of remembrance and reflection concerning the devastating impacts of residential schools. This blog post aims to shed light on both events' significance and highlight why they deserve our attention.

1. Understanding Truth and Reconciliation:

Truth and Reconciliation Day holds immense value as it acknowledges the painful history experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada due to colonization policies such as the Indian Residential Schools system. The objective is not only to remember but also to foster an environment where dialogue, empathy, and understanding can flourish between Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous Canadians.

2. Recognizing Orange Shirt Day:

Orange Shirt Day complements Truth and Reconciliation Day by focusing specifically on raising awareness about residential schools' traumatic legacy. Initiated by Phyllis Webstad's story when her new orange shirt was taken from her upon arrival at a residential school, this day reminds us of the countless children who were stripped of their culture, language, identity, dignity, and familial bonds.

3. Learning Lessons From Our Past:

By commemorating these days collectively, we acknowledge that recognizing historical wrongs paves the way for healing intergenerational trauma. It prompts us to reflect on how similar systemic injustices persist today within various societal structures—education systems, healthcare disparities, judicial processes—among others.

4. Promoting Education & Awareness:

Educating ourselves about Indigenous history should extend beyond one designated day or month; however, Truth and Reconciliation Day provides an opportunity for all Canadians to engage in learning about the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. It encourages us to become active participants in reconciliation efforts by challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusive spaces.

5. Fostering Reconciliation:

Reconciliation is a journey that involves listening, understanding, respect, and dismantling systemic barriers. On this day, let's strive for meaningful reconciliation by recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples and promoting their self-determination while building bridges between communities based on mutual trust and understanding.

Truth and Reconciliation Day signifies an essential step towards healing historical wounds, acknowledging past injustices, and promoting unity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Together with Orange Shirt Day, it reminds us that we must confront uncomfortable truths if we genuinely seek reconciliation in our society. Let us embrace these days as opportunities to learn from our history, amplify Indigenous voices, work towards positive change, and build a future where cultural diversity thrives within an atmosphere of truth, compassion, justice, and respect for all.

The Orange Shirt Story: Unearthing the Truth and Healing Generations

Shaina Tranquilino

October 1, 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the dark chapter in Canadian history known as the residential school system. This deeply traumatic experience, which forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families, cultures, and languages, has had profound and long-lasting effects on generations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Phyllis Webstad's powerful memoir, "The Orange Shirt StoryBook," sheds light on this painful past while also providing a path towards healing and understanding.

Unveiling the Painful Past:

Phyllis Webstad's story revolves around her personal experience as a young girl entering St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia. On her first day at the school, Phyllis' vibrant orange shirt was stripped away from her by the staff. This symbolic act left an indelible mark on her psyche, representing not only the loss of identity but also the erasure of culture and dignity experienced by countless Indigenous children.

"The Orange Shirt Story" serves as a poignant reminder that these schools were not just institutions where children received an education; they were sites of cultural genocide. Children were forbidden to speak their native languages or practice their traditions. They endured physical and emotional abuse that scarred them for life.

A Journey Towards Healing:

However, Phyllis Webstad's story is not solely focused on unveiling historical trauma; it is equally about resilience and healing. By sharing this raw narrative with readers of all backgrounds, she invites us to reflect upon our shared responsibility to address the wounds inflicted by colonization.

Education plays a pivotal role in reconciliation efforts, and "The Orange Shirt Story" offers an invaluable resource for educators seeking to foster understanding among students. By highlighting one individual's story within the larger context of systemic oppression, this book helps break down barriers of ignorance and engenders empathy for those impacted by the residential school system.

The Significance of Phyllis Webstad's Message:

Phyllis Webstad's memoir has become a symbol of resistance and hope, resonating far beyond the Indigenous communities it directly touches. The orange shirt itself has become a poignant emblem, representing the resilience and strength of survivors while also serving as a reminder that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

Webstad's work is an essential contribution to truth-telling and reconciliation in Canada. It encourages us all to confront uncomfortable truths about our nation's history and take an active role in addressing the intergenerational trauma caused by colonial policies. By amplifying marginalized voices like Phyllis', we can collectively dismantle systems of oppression and foster a more inclusive society.

"The Orange Shirt Story" by Phyllis Webstad is not just another memoir; it is a catalyst for change. By sharing her deeply personal experience within the residential school system, she invites readers to embark on a journey towards understanding, compassion, and healing. This book serves as both an education tool for schools and an empathetic touchstone for those seeking to learn more about the legacy of colonization in Canada.

As we engage with this powerful story, let us remember that acknowledging the past is only the first step towards true reconciliation. We must actively work towards creating spaces where Indigenous voices are uplifted, their cultures celebrated, and their experiences validated. Only through collective efforts can we heal historical wounds and build a future where no child suffers from cultural erasure or systemic discrimination.

Phyllis's Orange Shirt https://a.co/d/fYT0ocu