The inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Sept. 30, coincides with Orange Shirt Day, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the spirit of hope and reconciliation to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities.

The University of Windsor Orange Shirt Day Committee has been working to raise awareness about these issues.

“It can be a challenging day for Indigenous members of our community and I am proud to be working alongside so many non-Indigenous students and colleagues who are doing the heavy lifting,” says Kat Pasquach, Aboriginal outreach and retention co-ordinator.

“These are steps we take towards reconciliation. The inter-generational trauma caused by residential schools continues to be felt and healing is a gradual process that will require understanding, time, and patience.”

The committee has launched a website to house information on relevant activities and resources, including:

• stories from the Indigenous community about their residential school experiences;
• details of upcoming events;
• healing and support resources for the Indigenous community; and
• educational resources for the campus community.

Sarah Hébert notes that the work would not be possible without the support of sponsors, listed on the Orange Shirt Day website. To add an event to the calendar on the website, email Hébert at shebert@uwindsor.ca.

Supporters can also order T-shirts and lawn signs to promote awareness.

• The shirts are $20 and will be available for pick-up by appointment on Sept. 28 and 29.
• The signs are $15 and can be picked up from the Office of Student Experience, room 117 in the student centre, on Sept. 24.

Order both on the uwindsor.ca/orangeshirtday website.