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It’s going to be a busy first day of Canada’s latest statutory holiday.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation lands on Thursday. Typically, Sept. 30 is “Orange Shirt Day,” where people wear orange and reflect on the legacy of the residential school system or participate in activities to promote healing and wellness.
The federal holiday was created in response to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, “to honour 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.”
The City of Regina is recognizing the day as a statutory holiday, according to a news release.
Mayor Sandra Masters said in a release Wednesday that she hopes residents have “found ways to listen and learn more about the truth of residential schools across our country,” leading into Thursday.
“When non-Indigenous people commit to reconciliation and make the time to listen and learn about these harmful legacies, we can begin to move forward in a good way.”
Regina, located on Treaty 4 land, is an area rich in Indigenous history and the heartland of the Métis in Canada.
City lights up
During the day, Regina City Hall will be lit up in orange to honour those impacted by the legacy of residential schools. Flags at city hall will also be lowered to half-mast.
A full calendar of events in the city has been shared to help families embrace the significance of the day and honour Indigenous heritage while reflecting on reconciliation.
The city is encouraging residents to attend virtual events to learn about reconciliation and honour survivors or residential schools.
Regina schools
Schools in Saskatchewan will once again recognize Orange Shirt Day on Thursday, the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) said in a release.
The SSBA said it’s encouraging all schools in the province to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of residential schools.
Dr. Shawn Davidson, SSBA president, said residents of the province, as well as school communities, are encouraged to participate on Thursday by wearing orange and taking time to reflect on residential schools.
Shirts intended to be worn on National Indigenous Peoples Day and on Canada Day. Organizers of Paint Regina Orange hope they will spark conversations about Canada’s relationship with Indigenous people. Proceeds from sales will go to an Indigenous artist as well as a local charity. (Joseph Ho/980 CJME)
“Especially considering the heartbreaking confirmations of unmarked graves we’ve witnessed this year, this day represents an opportunity for each one of us to think about residential schools, expand our understanding of this history and commit to growing together through education toward reconciliation,” Davidson said.
Orange Shirt Day is also part of a larger movement for reconciliation in Canada, a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event held in B.C. in 2013. The day was first proclaimed in Saskatchewan in 2016.
“Orange Shirt Day provides an important opportunity for school communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation,” said education minister Dustin Duncan. “It’s important to acknowledge the lasting impact of residential schools on our communities and commit to learning more about the history of residential schools in order to build stronger communities that are inclusive and safe for all.”
Regina Catholic schools will spend time Thursday learning together and “continuing our journey with Indigenous people in our communities.” They will focus on Calls to Action 62 through 65 which specifically address education.
Twylla West, communications and media co-ordinator for the Regina Catholic School Division, said some high schools will engage in more specific learning, as well.
“Michael A. Riffel Catholic High School is on an engaging Reconciliation journey which includes frequent reflection, smudge opportunities and a focus on decolonization,” West said. “At Sacred Heart Community School, our Michif Kindergarten classroom is teaching with Michif language, culture and a whole lot of Sacred Heart Buffalo grit!”
Fireworks at Government House
Starting at 11 a.m., Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty will host 100 Grade 12 students from Luther College High School on the grounds of Government House.
Mirasty and Elders will speak with students about Orange Shirt Day and the design of the Saskatchewan Residential School Memorial.
City services
Civic offices will be closed in Regina on Thursday. Garbage and recycling will be picked up as usual.
Buses will run using the Saturday routes and schedules with weekday schedules on routes six, 16 and 17. Regular service will be provided for special high school routes. Paratransit will operate at normal hours with no advance bookings.
Riverside Memorial Park and Regina cemeteries will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Leisure centres will be open for reduced hours. Parking meters will not be in effect on Thursday.
