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WAHA Commemorates Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th means something different to everyone.

Today marks the 9th annual Orange Shirt Day and the first official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Whether you are sharing, healing, learning, or reflecting, WAHA encourages you to spend the day doing what is best for you.

Orange Shirt Day is to commemorate every child who was sent to residential schools. The movement was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, who shared her story of having an orange shirt taken from her immediately after arriving to residential school at only six years old. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a new statutory holiday instituted by the Government of Canada to commemorate the legacy of residential schools in Canada.

WAHA takes today to honour the experiences of all Indigenous Peoples and celebrate their unwavering resilience.

We understand this day can be incredibly difficult for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities. We encourage anyone who needs it to access available supports:

Learn more at:

Meegwetch,

Weeneebayko Area Health Authority