“On this day, and everyday, we must honour the stories of Survivors and their families. We must open everyone’s eyes to the truth of residential schools and the ongoing trauma and harms inflicted on First Nations people and remember those who never came home.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2024
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB —Today the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and its member Nations are proud to be joining thousands of our relations and allies across what is now known as Manitoba, to mark the historic first provincially recognized National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Today and every day, we need to come together to reflect upon building the relationships and understanding between First Peoples and all others we now share our land with,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we honour the truth by remembering the harms of the past, remembering the little ones who did not come home, and acknowledging ongoing harms, inequities and injustices. We embrace reconciliation by creating a future worthy of everything our Ancestors sacrificed.”
In June 2021, the Government of Canada made September 30 a federal statutory day to be observed as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Last year, the Government of Manitoba passed a bill to mark September 30 as a provincial statutory day, in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which is also known as Orange Shirt Day.
Each September First Nations children were taken from their homes to residential schools, more than 150,000 over 100 years. Thousands died at the schools from many forms of abuse, lack of food, medical experimentation, disease due to the harsh conditions, and other inhumane treatment.
Along with co-sponsoring the Wa-Say Healing Walk and Pow Wow in Winnipeg, SCO launched its’ annual Every Child Matters campaign earlier in the month to educate and raise awareness on billboards and transit signs throughout southern Manitoba. For the many wanting to show support, SCO gifted 12,000 lawn signs, and thousands of t-shirts, beading kits, and free “Calls to Action” booklets.
The Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada are 94 actions to address the ongoing impacts of residential schools on Survivors and their families including how all Canadians, in every sector, can learn about and acknowledge the harms caused by residential schools to begin the process of reconciliation.
“I am pleased to attend the Winnipeg event and proud our member Nations are holding gatherings, as we come together to acknowledge the tragic legacy of residential and day schools, missing children, and the families they left behind, along with the intergenerational Survivors of those colonial institutions,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “The truth about this horrific time in Canadian history must be remembered and going forward we must continue to use the National Day as a powerful reminder of the commitment behind the words ‘Every Child Matters’.”
If you are looking for an event, please visit https://scoinc.mb.ca/orange-shirt-day-events-2024/
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions
through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca