National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On this solemn occasion of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) stands in solidarity with Indigenous peoples across Canada. We acknowledge the profound pain and suffering caused by the legacy of residential schools, the forced removal of children from their families, and the ongoing impacts of colonization.

As Canadian Muslims, we must acknowledge historical injustices, seek truth, and foster reconciliation. We must all reflect on the past, learn from it, and work together to build a more inclusive and just future for all.

Today, we join Indigenous peoples from coast to coast to coast in mourning the lives lost and the cultural heritage destroyed. We pledge to amplify Indigenous voices, support their calls for justice and accountability, and actively engage in the journey of reconciliation.

We call upon all Canadians, regardless of their background, to use this day as an opportunity to learn about the history of Indigenous peoples, their resilience, and their contributions to this land. Let us remember that reconciliation is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment to healing and building a more equitable society.

CCMW stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities, and we are committed to working together to create a Canada where truth, justice, and reconciliation are at the forefront of our identities. Today, and every day, we honour the spirit of unity and healing that this day represents.

May we move forward together toward a future where the truth is acknowledged, reconciliation is achieved, and the diverse tapestry of our nation is celebrated with respect and dignity.

In solidarity.

History of Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day is based on the story of Phyllis Webstad who was a 6-year-old indigenous child that was forced to go to a residential school. Her grandmother had bought her a new orange shirt to wear for school and it was taken from her at the school. Orange Shirt Day has come to symbolize how it was for Indigenous children to attend residential schools. These schools forcefully assimilated the children and took away all meaning of life for them. Every year on September 30, people across the country wear orange shirts to remember the children who were taken from their families to residential schools.

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