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Observe National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

September 30, 2021, will mark Orange Shirt Day, the national day of remembrance for victims of Indian Residential Schools in Canada, as well as the first federal National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. While this will not be a statutory holiday in Ontario, the College has determined to designate this as a staff professional development day. This means that we will be closing the College for regular business and hosting a training workshop for staff so that we can come together as a group to engage with what Truth and Reconciliation means for us as individuals and as an organization. 

Ways that you can support orange shirt day:

1. Purchase an orange shirt and wear it on September 30. Please be mindful when purchasing a shirt to choose an Indigenous vendor or to purchase from an organization that will be supporting Orange Shirt Day causes, including survivors of Residential Schools. A list of vendors is available here: https://orangeshirtday.net/
2. Consider making a donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society or another organization that supports survivors, their families, and communities
3. Take some time for learning, education, and reflection. We have compiled a list of resources for further learning and exploration:

• Learn more about Orange Shirt Day and Phyllis’ Story: https://orangeshirtday.net/
• Read about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and review the Calls to Action set out in the final report: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1450124405592/1529106060525 
• Programming and other resources: https://www.cbc.ca/life/culture/ways-to-participate-in-the-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-1.6192414 
• National Film Board and the work of Alanis Obomsawin, an acclaimed indigenous director: https://www.nfb.ca/directors/alanis-obomsawin/?utm_campaign=programming&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=edu-social&utm_content=film
• More films are available through the NFB: https://www.nfb.ca/indigenous-cinema/?&film_lang=en&sort=year:desc,title&year_min=1939&year_max=2021
• Shows/films available to stream free on CBC Gem:  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cbc-gem-national-indigenous-history-month-titles-1.6047395