Champlain Township Wears Orange for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

The Township of Champlain recognizes September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day).

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on the Government of Canada's website.

The administration and the Mayor of the Township of Champlain wore an orange shirt on Friday, September 30 in an effort to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools and to honour the thousands of Survivors. The Orange Shirt represents the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children of generations. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day at orangeshirtday.org ⁣⁣

The tradition is based on the story of Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt removed on her first day of school at Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. The orange shirt has become a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.