Ozaawaa Babigoyaan Giizhigad / Orange Shirt Day
Ozaawaa Babigoyaan Giizhigad / Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (external link) occur annually on September 30. It is a commemorative day of recognition and awareness-raising about the impacts of Canada's Indian Residential School System and government policy imposed on Indigenous Peoples.
Ozaawaa Babigoyaan Giizhigad / Orange Shirt Day originated from the story of Phyllis Webstad (external link) , who is a residential school survivor.
Thank you for joining us to commemorate Ozaawaa Babigoyaan Giizhigad / Orange Shirt Day at TMU
On Monday, September 30, TMU community members (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) came together in the spirit of truth-telling and reconciliation to provide space for meaningful conversations and reflection on the impacts of residential schools and their legacy in our community.
The significance of September
Ozaawaa Babigoyaan Giizhigad / Orange Shirt Day is commemorated every September 30. September aligns with the time of year in which children were taken from their homes and communities to attend residential schools. This part of Canadian history occurred for over 150 years, during which 150,000 children attended schools, and many never returned. Please visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website (external link) to learn more.
This event is part of reconciliation at TMU
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada released the report Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future (external link) , which outlines the history and legacy of Canada’s residential school system and 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of those schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.
In response to the TRC’s Education Calls to Action, after two years of community consultations, TMU released the Truth and Reconciliation Community Consultation Summary Report and established the TRC Strategic Working Group, which structured much of TMU’s work toward addressing the Calls to Action.
Today, TMU remains committed to increasing awareness of Indigenous histories, worldviews and cultures and continues to promote inclusion of Indigenous persons and perspectives at the university and foster respectful dialogue and relationships between both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, faculty, staff and community members. Learn more about TMU’s ongoing work toward Truth and Reconciliation.
For Indigenous students
Indigenous students can access culturally supportive programs and services, including peer support groups and Indigenous traditional counselling through Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services.
The Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC), in partnership with Indigenous Initiatives and Indigenous Student Services in the OVPECI, offers individual counselling support to Indigenous students. To book an appointment, contact Lisa LaFreniere at lisa.lafreniere@torontomu.ca and Eden Abraham at eden.abraham@torontomu.ca.
Good2Talk (external link) is a free, confidential and anonymous service for post-secondary students for 24/7 professional counselling. Good2Talk also provides mental health information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being. Access their services immediately by calling 1-866-925-5454 or texting “GOOD2TALKON” to 686868.
For Indigenous faculty and staff
Through the university’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), Telus Health, Workplace Wellbeing Services and Indigenous Initiatives in the OVPECI have arranged for Michael Diotte (Indigenous trauma counsellor) to be available for individual, confidential, virtual or in-person counselling (Michael is located in Oshawa area).
Indigenous employees (who have self-identified through the Employee Diversity Self-ID Program) can call the Telus Health Care Access Centre at 1-844-880-9142 and request an appointment with Michael.
Indigenous employees who have not self-identified through the Employee Diversity Self-ID Program and wish to access support through Life Works are also eligible for this service. If you have any questions about your eligibility for EFAP services, contact Jennifer Alefounder (Director, Workplace Wellbeing) at jennifer.alefounder@torontomu.ca. Jennifer continues to be a member of the working group that oversees the ongoing resources and support of Indigenous employees.
Crisis support through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society is a provincial organization that provides essential services to residential school survivors and families experiencing intergenerational trauma. For immediate crisis support, please call 1-866-925-4419, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There are several ways to show your support and order your shirt for Orange Shirt Day events. We strongly recommend that community members purchase orange shirts from Indigenous-owned businesses and retailers that give a significant percentage of proceeds to Indigenous charities and organizations.
This year, TMU's Campus Store is selling orange Every Child Matters t-shirts in partnership with Indigenous Initiatives in the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI). The shirts were designed by Lucia Laford, with 100 per cent of profits are donated to the Orange Shirt Society (external link) .
Past events
On September 29, 2023, TMU community members gathered in the Student Learning Centre (SLC) to commemorate Orange Shirt Day / Ozaawaa Babigoyaan Giizhigad. The day began with an opening song and welcome remarks, followed by a presentation by Nicole Ineese-Nash and Nyle Johnston of the Indigenous non-profit Finding Our Power Together (external link) and a delicious feast.
All photos by Nadya Kwandibens.
TMU President Mohamed Lachemi provided opening remarks and shared that as part of the university’s commitment to systemic changes that support Indigenous community members, TMU is implementing an Indigenous Wellbeing and Cultural Practice Leave. Through this new leave, eligible Indigenous staff from Canada can take up to five paid days per year to support healing and wellbeing, including cultivating cultural interests and practices in whatever they choose.
Community members met in the TMU quad for the raising of the survivors’ flag to honour all survivors, families and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Learn more about the survivors’ flag (external link) and what each element represents.
On the silent memorial walk through campus, attendees were asked to reflect on what it would be like to attend an institution like TMU if they were prevented from speaking their language, practicing their spirituality or religion, or going home to see their family and friends.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please email Crystal Osawamick, Manager of Indigenous Events and Special Projects, at crystal.osawamick@torontomu.ca.