On September 30th, Canada observes Truth and Reconciliation Day to honour the survivors of residential schools and remember the thousands of Indigenous children who never returned home! Unknown Facts You Should Know: 1. Residential Schools Operated for Over a Century ⏳ The first residential school opened in 1831 and the last one didn’t close until 1996. That means generations of Indigenous families were impacted by these schools. 2. Unmarked Graves are Still Being Discovered 💔 As of 2023, over 1,800 unmarked graves have been found near former residential school sites across Canada. Investigations are ongoing, and the true number of missing children remains unknown. 3. Survivors Faced Lifelong Trauma 🧠 Many children who attended residential schools were subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The impact of this trauma has passed through generations, contributing to ongoing issues in Indigenous communities like mental health struggles and loss of cultural identity. 4. Education as a Tool for Change 📚 One of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is focused on improving education about Indigenous history, culture, and the effects of residential schools. Only 13 of the 94 Calls to Action have been completed, showing how much more work is needed. 5. Truth and Reconciliation is Not Just Canadian 🌎 Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States also have a history of using residential or boarding schools to assimilate Indigenous children. Truth and reconciliation efforts are being made globally, but Canada’s public reckoning with this history has set an example. What Can You Do to Support? 🧡 1. Wear Orange on September 30th: The orange shirt symbolizes the children whose lives were stolen by the residential school system. 2. Educate Yourself: Read survivor stories, learn about the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, and explore how these systems continue to affect Indigenous communities. 3. Listen & Advocate: Support Indigenous-led initiatives, push for the completion of all Calls to Action, and commit to ongoing learning and dialogue.