St Kateri Tekakwitha Center
September 30th, 2025 is recognized as the "National Day for Truth and Reconciliation" in Canada, a day dedicated to reflecting on the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, honoring survivors, and committing to reconciliation with Indigenous communities; it is also commonly known as "Orange Shirt Day".
Key points about September 30th are:
- Focus on Residential Schools: The day primarily focuses on acknowledging the tragic legacy of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and the trauma experienced by survivors and their families.
- Orange Shirt Symbolism: Wearing an orange shirt is a significant symbol on this day, representing the story of Phyllis Webstad, a young Indigenous girl who was disciplined and not allowed to wear an orange shirt to residential school.
- Learning and Reflection: It's a day to learn about the history of residential schools, reflect on the ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities, and consider how to contribute to reconciliation.
A delegation from the Anglophone Region of the Diocese of Valleyfield attended the event in Cornwall, Ontario which included Most Reverend Bishop Noel Simard. Bishop Noel blessed a memorial monument at the Seaway International Bridge that was dedicated to Akwesasronon survivors and victims of Indian Residential Schools which was funded by the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall Indigenous Reconciliation fund. A similar monument was also dedicated at the St. Regis Mission Church in recognition of September 30th by Fr. Jerome B. Pastores.
